A Toyota consortium is developing a prototype hydrogen-powered Hilux pick-up truck
Hydrogen cars are few and far between here in the UK (and the rest of the world) with only the Hyundai Nexo and Toyota Mirai to choose from. Now Toyota is looking to double the selection it offers with a hydrogen Hilux model.
Toyota has announced it will be leading a consortium to develop the truck at the firm’s plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire. The project will be partly funded by the UK government through the Coventry-based Advanced Propulsion Centre – a non-profit organisation that supports development of cleaner transport technology.
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The components for the hydrogen Hilux will be similar to those found in the second-generation Mirai. The Mirari powertrain consists of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell which is mated to a lithium ion battery. This sends energy to a 180bhp electric motor on the front axle. Toyota claims the Mirai has a range over 400 miles, the less aerodynamic Hilux is unlikely to offer quite such an impressive figure. The images of the hydrogen Hilux show no differences to the internal-combustion engined model.
Toyota says the development of a successful hydrogen transport sector is an essential element in achieving the firm’s goal of multi-technological carbon-neutrality.
Richard Kenworthy, Toyota Motor UK Managing Director, said: “We see this project as a great opportunity to contribute to the critical path on the road to carbon zero mobility. This UK Government funding will enable teams within the consortium to acquire key skills that can then be used to investigate other fuel cell applications.”
Toyota and Yamaha announced earlier this year that they’re collaborating on a 5.0-litre V8 combustion engine that uses hydrogen. The V8 is based on the Lexus RC F’s naturally-aspirated engine.
Keyword: Hydrogen Toyota Hilux pick-up truck gets the green light