Toyota secures funding from the UK authorities to develop Hilux prototype powered by hydrogen gas cell

Toyota has introduced that it’s main a consortium to develop a Hilux prototype powered by a hydrogen gas cell. Led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK), the consortium consists of technical companions akin to Ricardo, European Thermodynamics (ETL), D2H and Thatcham Analysis.

In keeping with the Japanese carmaker, TMUK has already efficiently secured funding for the mission from the UK authorities via the Superior Propulsion Centre (APC), an organisation supporting the event of cleaner applied sciences and new mobility ideas. This funding particularly helps later stage R&D that takes a product from proof of idea to prototype autos.

The upcoming prototype will undertake gas cell parts like these used within the present Mirai, and based mostly on the pictures supplied, the Hilux prototype could have its hydrogen tanks saved beneath the cab and the gas cell stack occupying the engine bay. Energy generated might be despatched to energy a rear electrical motor, though Toyota isn’t revealing full specs for now.

“The UK is likely one of the key markets for pick-up vans and is a vital marketplace for Toyota. This funding represents an incredible alternative to develop a zero-emission answer in a important market phase. We wish to thank the UK authorities for the funding that can allow the consortium to research the event of a gas cell powered powertrain for the Toyota Hilux, supporting our carbon neutrality ambition,” mentioned Matt Harrison, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.

Toyota has already expressed its curiosity in providing zero-emission industrial autos earlier than, as final yr, the carmaker introduced an idea for an EV pick-up truck. Whereas it doesn’t formally promote an all-electric Hilux simply but, there are firms that do supply conversions for the pick-up truck. The corporate’s choice to discover the feasibility of a hydrogen-powered Hilux is to search out out if there’s a case to supply an extra software for its gas cell expertise