Toyota has reached another milestone on the road to a carbon-neutral future with the launch of an electric Hilux prototype equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell.
Its debut is further evidence of the broad scope of Toyota’s multi-technology strategy to achieve zero-carbon mobility, applying different solutions – from hybrid electrified vehicles, hybrid technology electric vehicles, battery electric and fuel cell electric – to respond to the needs of different users, environments and mobility needs around the world. .
The innovative pick-up was unveiled at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s vehicle plant in Derby, England, where it was developed in a joint venture with consortium partners, supported by funding from the UK Government. Hilux is a global icon of the Toyota brand and has a reputation for exceptional reliability and durability.
The development project sought to preserve these qualities by adopting a new electric motor equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell and zero emissions.
The new engine uses central elements of the hydrogen electric car that is already part of the Toyota range – the fuel cell Mirai – a sedan whose technology has proven itself in terms of quality over 10 years of production and marketing. The fuel cell produces no emissions, and pure water comes out of the exhaust. The hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure fuel tanks, giving the Hilux prototype an expected range of more than 600 kilometers – far more than could be achieved with a battery-electric system.
The hybrid battery, which stores the electricity produced by the vehicle’s on-board fuel cell, is placed in the rear cargo compartment, conserving space in the cabin.
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