Toyota has recently shocked the world with the launch of its new hydrogen-powered Hilux truck. This truck not only showcases outstanding combustion efficiency but also promises zero emissions, fundamentally changing Toyota's position on sustainable energy for heavy vehicles. The Toyota factory in Derbyshire, UK, has manufactured ten prototypes of the hydrogen fuel cell Hilux, five of which will undergo rigorous field tests to ensure safety, performance, functionality, and durability, generating driving test data in real-world scenarios.
The remaining five will be used for customer outreach and demonstrations. The Toyota hydrogen Hilux project aims to transform traditional emission internal combustion engines into zero-emission engines, akin to a powerful zero-emission powertrain.
The Hilux uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water being the only byproduct, in stark contrast to electric vehicles that rely on lithium batteries.
This hydrogen Hilux is an excellent showcase of how fuel cell technology can be implemented in a small truck. Its exterior dimensions are identical to the standard Hilux, but its structure incorporates key components from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, a technology that has proven its excellence over nearly a decade of commercial production. Compared to electric batteries, hydrogen fuel offers several advantages, especially for commercial applications requiring high efficiency over long distances.
For companies that rely on quick refueling instead of long battery recharge times, the hydrogen fuel cells in the Hilux provide a practical solution as they can be refueled quickly and have a range comparable to diesel engines. Hydrogen is a desirable alternative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels because it is abundant and sustainable.
It is water and readily available. Furthermore, hydrogen in the Hilux could pave the way for other automakers to explore this type of fuel for alternative energy sources. Looking back, it is important to note that the original Mirai was introduced in 2015 as a result of Toyota's research and development into hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The second-generation technology, added to the next-generation Mirai five years later, increased the vehicle's range by 30% to around 400 miles. The hydrogen Hilux is based on this technology.
However, third-generation fuel cell technology is currently under development. Sales are expected to begin in 2026-2027, which is a critical element of Toyota's strategy to enhance hydrogen usage.
An increase of 20% in vehicle range is expected due to the better energy density of these units, while technological advancements and higher production volumes may also help reduce costs by more than a third.
