Toyota’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell HiLux Enters Final Testing Phase in the UK

Will Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell HiLux revolutionize the automotive industry?

Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell HiLux project in the UK has entered its final phase of testing, with ten vehicles currently undergoing field testing and customer engagement. This comes as Toyota continues its push into the hydrogen space, following its success in the hybrid market.

Toyota, known for its success in the hybrid market in Australia, has taken a step further by venturing into the hydrogen space. While the brand was slow to adopt battery electric vehicles (BEV), it has excelled in the hybrid market, with seven of the top ten best-selling hybrids in Australia being Toyota vehicles in 2023.

Currently, the hydrogen HiLux project is primarily led by Toyota UK. However, Toyota Australia has expressed its interest in evaluating a hydrogen HiLux if the opportunity arises. The brand’s vehicle evaluation department has been extensively involved with the HiLux and would welcome the chance to evaluate a prototype in Australia.

The HiLux project began with a feasibility study in 2022, demonstrating the advantages of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. Design and development of the project continued until January 2023, with consortium partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H Advanced Technologies, and Thatcham Research.

Using a combination of manufactured parts and core elements from the Toyota Mirai sedan, the first HiLux prototype was built within three weeks. This prototype retains the same dimensions as its internal combustion engine (ICE) equivalent but offers an emission-free driving range of 600km.

Ten fuel cell HiLux prototypes have been manufactured at the Toyota Manufacturing UK facility. Five of these prototypes are undergoing rigorous field testing, while the other five are assigned for customer and media demonstrations. Additionally, two of these prototypes will be used at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games in July, along with ten hydrogen fuel cell buses for transportation during the games.

The hydrogen fuel cell HiLux prototypes are currently in the final stage of testing. Once this stage is complete, Toyota will reveal their plans for these prototypes and whether a production model will be developed.

Toyota has also been testing a fleet of HiAce Commuter H2 models in Australia to evaluate real-world fleet usage. These HiAce models utilize internal combustion engines running on hydrogen, making them suitable for commercial use in a wide range of environmental conditions.

While Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology has shown success in the Mirai sedan, limited refuelling infrastructure remains a challenge. Toyota owns only one hydrogen refuelling station in Victoria, with 12 others currently operating or under construction in Australia. To address this issue, Toyota Australia, Hyundai Motor Company Australia, Pacific Energy, and Ampol have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a hydrogen refuelling network in the ACT.

Toyota remains committed to hydrogen as part of its future plans, acknowledging that infrastructure development is crucial for its success. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, believes that hydrogen will play a significant role in the automotive industry between 2030 and 2035.

• Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell HiLux project in the UK is in its final testing phase
• Ten vehicles are currently undergoing field testing and customer engagement
• Toyota Australia expresses interest in evaluating a hydrogen HiLux locally
• The HiLux prototype offers an emission-free driving range of 600km
• The hydrogen fuel cell technology has proven successful in Toyota’s Mirai sedan

Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell HiLux project has made significant progress, entering its final testing phase in the UK. The brand’s commitment to alternative fuel sources is evident, with the success of their hybrid vehicles and the Mirai sedan’s proven hydrogen fuel cell technology. While challenges such as limited refuelling infrastructure remain, Toyota continues to invest in and partner with other companies to overcome these obstacles. The future of hydrogen-powered vehicles is still on the horizon, with Toyota leading the way.