Toyota Hilux Hydrogen FCEV Prototype Arrives with Over 600 KM Range

Toyota Hilux Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype

Amongst the mainstream automakers in the world, Toyota has always been one of the biggest proponents to the hydrogen fuel cell technology, which plays a key role in the marque’s multi-pathway decarbonisation plan. To prove its commitment towards this scarcely-tapped technology, Toyota has unveiled its first-ever hydrogen fuel cell-powered (FCEV) pick-up truck, known as the Hilux Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype.

Developed and produced by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK), this FCEV truck started off as a feasibility study by the firm and Toyota Motor Europe, where it also receives grants from the UK government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre – a non-profit organisation supporting the development of cleaner technologies. As part of its initial studies, TMUK is planning to produce 10 units of the Hilux FCEV prototype, where all of them will undergo multiple testing – both on-road and in the lab.

Moving on to the technical bits, the Hilux FCEV prototype borrows the hydrogen fuel cell setup from the marque’s flagship FCEV model, the Toyota Mirai. Snugged beneath the Hilux’s ladder-frame chassis are three hydrogen fuel tanks, while the front hood now carries several components of the FCEV setup including the motor instead of an ICE. On the other hand, the FCEV hybrid battery setup is stored at the rear part of the truck, directly beneath where the flatbed is.

The Hilux Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype (left) gets its FCEV setup from the Mirai FCEV (right)

While detailed specifications pertaining to this setup has yet to be unveiled, Toyota claims that the Hilux FCEV will boast a maximum range of up to 600 KM – which the marque claims to be significantly higher and more efficient than the conventional battery EV (BEV) setup. For reference, the same FCEV setup bestows the Mirai with a total system output of 182 HP and 300 NM, while the 141-litre hydrogen fuel tank capacity allows it for a maximum range of 647 KM, according to the EPA standards.

With the Mirai currently standing as the marque’s sole production FCEV model, Toyota is also considering developing an FCEV version of its other ICE-based products, including the Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 SUV.

Toyota Hilux Revo BEV concept

Aside from FCEV, Toyota has also toyed with the idea of a BEV-powered pick-up truck, as the marque previously unveiled the Toyota Hilux Revo BEV concept in Thailand last year. Recently, a unit of the Hilux Revo BEV was spotted in Australia, possibly undergoing some real-world testing in the Land Down Under.

While battery-powered pick-up trucks are still a new thing amongst the Japanese marques, other Western brands like Ford and Rivian have embraced this concept for years. And truthfully, BEV-powered trucks seem to work pretty well in certain markets, with the new Ford F-150 Lightning becoming one of the marque’s best-selling models. 

The rumoured Isuzu D-Max BEV will get the EV technology derived from the Elf EV commercial truck

Apart from Toyota, other Japanese marques like Isuzu have also been rumoured to develop a BEV version of its D-Max pick-up truck model, with the marque already deploying BEV technology on its commercial truck model, the Isuzu Elf. Regardless of whether Toyota or Isuzu will come out on top in this two-horse race, Japanese marques in general have a lot of catching up to do in this scarcely-tapped segment.