Toyota builds prototype fuel cell Hilux in just 14 months

This Hilux emits nothing but pure water while driven

After securing UK government funding only in December 2022 to develop a prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of the Hilux, Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) wasted no time and got down to work. Today, they got the job done.

“The project team has accomplished an incredible job in a very short space of time, from creating the prototype build area to completion of the first vehicle. The UK Government funding has enabled us not only to develop a new vehicle in record time but also to upskill our teams to work on hydrogen-related technologies, something we hope to build on in the future. This is a great vote of confidence in UK manufacturing and its potential to deliver carbon-free vehicles to meet future targets,” said Richard Kenworthy, TMUK Managing Director

In just 14 months of intense project development and design, Toyota has unveiled a prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hilux. It is based on the marque’s first fuel cell EV (electric vehicle), the Mirai launched in 2014.

“The Toyota Hilux project is a fantastic example of collaborative R&D which has designed, integrated, and delivered a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. UK Government funding through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) anchors capability in R&D, which helps safeguard and creates new jobs for the future. It embeds the next generation of net-zero vehicles and technologies in the UK,” said Ian Constance, Advanced Propulsion Center Chief Executive.

Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell Hilux has three high-pressure fuel tanks that give it an expected driving range of more than 587 kilometers. The battery, which stores electricity produced onboard by the fuel cell, is positioned in the rear load deck, avoiding loss of cabin space.

Ten more units will be built within the year. These will be tested around the world to ensure they meet safety, dynamic performance, functionality, and durability standards before the model goes into production.

If the price is right, we could this to be a hit not just in the UK, but in other countries as well like the Philippines.