New hydrogen vehicle built in the UK is a 'great vote of confidence' for Toyota's future plans
The powertrain uses core elements from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric car
TOYOTA
Toyota have unveiled a new British-built, hydrogen-powered Hilux pick-up prototype vehicle which has been described as “another milestone in the progress towards zero carbon”.
The pick-up, whose development was supported by funding from the UK Government, was revealed at Toyota’s Burnaston car plant in Derby.
As a brand, Toyota is aiming to develop multiple types of technology that can be used in its vehicles, including hybrid, battery electric and now hydrogen in its bid to slash carbon emissions.
The powertrain uses core elements from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric passenger saloon, which only produces water from the tailpipe.
The only output from the exhaust is water
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With the three high-pressure fuel tanks, the Hilux would have an expected driving range of more than 365 miles, significantly further than it would with a battery electric system.
Richard Kenworthy, managing director of Toyota Manufacturing UK, said: “The project team have accomplished an incredible job in a very short space of time, from creating the prototype build area to completion of the first vehicle.
“The UK Government funding has enabled us not only to develop a new vehicle in record time but also to upskill our teams to work on hydrogen-related technologies, something we hope to build on in the future.
“This is a great vote of confidence in UK manufacturing and its potential to deliver carbon-free vehicles to meet future targets.”
Nusrat Ghani, the UK’s Minister for Industry and Economic Security, praised the prototype, saying that it was fantastic to see “ground-breaking” technology being used in the UK.
She added that the UK had an “amazing” manufacturing sector, with Toyota reaching another milestone on its journey to net zero emissions.
It has been suggested in the past that hydrogen fuel cell technology could be a better alternative for motorists who need to carry larger loads, potentially being an option for van drivers.
Apart from Toyota and Hyundai, there are very few automotive brands who are looking to manufacture hydrogen cars, with many instead opting to focus on electric vehicles.
According to the Government, there are over 300 hydrogen vehicles on UK roads, with the Government supporting use of the fuel cell technology with a £23million Hydrogen for Transport Programme.
Mr Kenworthy added: “We think part of the solution is hybrid through to 2035. It doesn’t need charging infrastructure, it demonstrates that it can achieve carbon reduction which is what it’s all about.
“We’re not saying our future plans, but we strongly believe we should be taking the multi-track approach.
“We think that after 2030 we should still be selling hybrid, not just in the UK but across Europe.
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The vehicle has an estimated range of around 365 miles
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“It will certainly be used globally, because you’re not going to have the infrastructure in place by then,” he told PA.