Toyota Hilux H2 rolls out in field tests

The Toyota Hilux with fuel cell drive has reached the testing and demonstration phase. Previously, the first ten units of the pickup truck were manufactured at the British plant of Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK. The model was first presented to the public in September 2023. The Japanese company aims to reinforce its so-called multi-path approach, which seeks to achieve climate neutrality with various drive concepts ranging from hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles to pure electric cars, as well as fuel cell models and internal combustion engines using e-fuels. The manufacturer argues that it wants to adapt mobility solutions to the respective regional requirements and lifestyles of its customers.

At the Burnaston plant of Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, the first ten prototypes of the Hilux with fuel cell drive have now been produced. Five vehicles are currently undergoing rigorous field tests to assess safety, performance, functionality, and durability. Data from real-world test drives is being collected for this purpose. Five other vehicles are being used for demonstration purposes with customers and the media, including at the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. The insights gained from the Hilux project, along with over 30 years of Toyota's research and development work in hydrogen technology, are expected to contribute to the next generation of fuel cell technology. The manufacturer promises longer life cycles, greater range, and significantly lower costs.

The company believes that Europe will be one of the largest markets for fuel cells by 2030, with continuous growth in the areas of mobility and energy generation. Therefore, in December 2023, it announced the "Hydrogen Factory Europe" to promote the spread of hydrogen ecosystems and infrastructures in the region. The Hilux with fuel cell drive also fits into this strategy.

600 Kilometer Range and Higher Towing Capacity

The prototype of the Hilux with fuel cell drive is based on the standard pickup and looks almost identical, with dimensions remaining unchanged at 5,325 x 1,855 x 1,810 millimeters (L x W x H). Under the hood works the fuel cell drive already tested in the Mirai sedan, which has been continuously developed since its debut in Toyota’s fuel cell lineup in 2015. In the Hilux, the fuel cell drive offers a range of up to 600 kilometers, more than could be achieved with a battery-electric drive, argues the provider. Thanks to the low weight of hydrogen, compared to other zero-emission alternatives, a higher payload and greater towing capacity are achieved, the company further promotes.

The hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure tanks with a capacity of 2.6 kilograms each. These are installed in the ladder-frame chassis of the pickup. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell contains 330 cells and is positioned directly above the front axle. The Hilux with fuel cell drive is powered by an electric motor on the rear axle. The unit delivers an output of 134 kW (182 hp) and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. The only emission produced during driving is water vapor. Part of the electricity generated by the fuel cell is temporarily stored in a lithium-ion battery, which is located under the load bed at the rear of the pickup directly above the hydrogen tanks, ensuring no space in the driver’s cabin is lost.