The consortium, led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (TMUK) will receive funding to cover the development of a fuel cell powered Hilux. In collaboration with UK based technical engineering partners, namely Ricardo, ETL, D2H and Thatcham Research, the project's aim is to adopt second generation Toyota fuel cell components (as used in the latest Toyota Mirai) for the transformation of a Hilux into a fuel cell electric vehicle.
"While TMUK is leading the project, a team from Toyota Motor Europe (TME) R&D will provide expert technical support to enable the UK-based teams to build its own expertise and self-sufficiency to develop next generation hydrogen drivetrain capabilities.", Toyota stated.
Toyota views hydrogen as one of the key building blocks towards carbon neutrality, using fuel cell technology for mobility and in the wider economy beyond transport. Toyota's advanced fuel cell technology is already integrated into passenger cars, buses, trucks, trains, marine and stationary applications for a range of business customers and other OEMs. To meet growing demand in the region, TME started producing its 2nd generation compact fuel cell modules in Europe in January 2022.
Fuel cell hydrogen vehicles are powered by a technology known as the fuel cell. It is essentially a device that combines hydrogen gas with oxygen from the air in order to generate electricity which is then used to power the vehicle. The only by-product of this process is water vapor and heat, making it an incredibly clean and efficient source of energy.
The eighth-generation Toyota Hilux entered the European market such as the in April 2016 with customer deliveries in July. It was available in Active, Icon, Invincible and Invincible X grade levels and single, extra and double cab body styles. The sole powertrain option is the 2.4-litre diesel engine. The 2020 facelift model received an optional 2.8-litre diesel engine, and a GR Sport variant since 2022.
Source: Toyota