Toyota Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Hilux Pick-Up as Part of UK Government Project

Toyota has recently revealed its hydrogen-powered Hilux pick-up truck, which is part of a £70 million government initiative aimed at developing alternative zero-emission vehicles for remote areas in the UK. The fuel cell version of the popular pick-up has been in development since early 2022 and utilizes components from Toyota’s second-generation fuel cell system, which is also used in the latest Toyota Mirai saloon.

One of the key advantages of the hydrogen-powered Hilux is its impressive range of over 365 miles, making it suitable for commercial operations in remote areas where electric vehicle charging infrastructure is limited. The vehicle’s battery stores electricity produced by the fuel cell and is cleverly positioned in the rear load deck to prevent it from protruding into the cabin.

The project has been led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) in collaboration with several UK-based technical engineering firms, including Ricardo, ETL, D2H, and Thatcham Research. Toyota’s European research and development team has also played a crucial role in making the project self-sufficient.

TMUK managing director Richard Kenworthy expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, stating, “The project team have 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.”

The government has allocated £11.3 million to support the project over three years, creating more than 250 jobs across the UK over the next decade. This initiative is part of a broader effort that includes other projects such as a farm waste-powered tractor and hydrogen-powered HGV cabs.

Matt Harrison, Toyota Motor Europe’s president and CEO, emphasized the significance of the funding, stating, “This funding represents a tremendous opportunity to develop a zero-emission solution in a critical market segment.”

The UK government believes that these five successful projects will support 3,300 jobs across the country, focusing on harnessing renewable fuels, developing powerful and efficient electric motors, and creating new materials that will reduce the carbon footprint of the automotive industry.

Business Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the importance of embracing new technologies in the automotive industry, stating, “Seizing the potential from new technologies will be a key part of its future success, while also making our roads cleaner, greener, and more affordable.”

The hydrogen-powered Hilux pick-up truck is a significant step forward in achieving zero-emission transportation in remote areas of the UK. With its impressive range and government support, this vehicle has the potential to revolutionize commercial operations in isolated regions where electric vehicle charging infrastructure is currently impractical.

Toyota’s commitment to developing hydrogen-related technologies demonstrates its dedication to sustainable transportation solutions. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for manufacturers to invest in alternative fuel options that reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a greener future.

With the government’s financial support and collaboration with various engineering firms, Toyota is well-positioned to continue leading the way in hydrogen-powered vehicles. The hydrogen-powered Hilux pick-up truck is just the beginning of what could be a significant shift towards zero-emission transportation in the UK.