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After the Mirai, Toyota plans to launch the Hilux hydrogen pickup truck. The first tests are scheduled for next year and the automaker has not yet released the vehicle's configurations.
A Toyota still insists on not betting their chips on the eletric cars, although it already has a dedicated line for the production of this type of vehicle. Instead, the Japanese giant goes against the grain of the automotive industry and plans to get the most out of its hydrogen fuel cell system, which was successful in Mirai. The automaker recently announced an agreement closed with the British government and four companies to finance the development of a new car with this type of technology. The model chosen by the company was the hilux pickup.
Toyota sees green hydrogen as the future of the auto industry
According to a Toyota press release, the partners will support the technical integration of fuel cell components into the Hilux chassis with thermal management solutions, thermodynamics expertise, as well as contributing to crash safety ratings. Toyota applied for funding a year ago.
Funds will cover the development of the Hilux pickup using components from fuel cell of second generation, the same ones used in the last Mirai. The project is led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK). The Japanese company believes that hydrogen could be the key to decarbonizing transport sectors where electric cars have yet to fit due to lack of infrastructure. The first hydrogen-powered Hilux prototypes from automotive industry will be ready for testing throughout 2023.
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The image of the fuel cell version published by the Japanese company shows three longitudinal hydrogen tanks in the middle of the vehicle. In this way, it seems to be a rear propulsion scheme, where the electric motor is housed. With this layout, the fuel cells must be accommodated in the back of the Hilux pickup.
Hydrogen Hilux can deliver 174 horsepower
According to what has been reported, a consortium has been developed with partners that include Ricardo, D2H, ETL and Thatcham Research. The intention is to equip the pickup with second-generation Toyota fuel cells, the same ones that were equipped in the Toyota Mirai.
The first Toyota Hilux prototypes will be produced over the next year at the TMUK unit plant in Burnaston. Ricardo, an environmental engineering partner, will support the integration of fuel cell components into the Hilux chassis.
ETL will assist in the development of thermal management. Engineering firm D2H will help with thermodynamic expertise, finally Thatcham should contribute to the success with its expertise in accident safety and insurance ratings.
The second-generation Toyota Mirai engine consists of a 128 kW fuel cell, equivalent to 174 horsepower, three hydrogen tanks and a small 1,24 kWh battery, the system generates 182 horsepower and 30,6 kgfm of torque. The automaker has not yet disclosed whether the hydrogen Hilux will use the same propulsion or whether there will be modifications.
Toyota also uses solar energy technology in its vehicle
The Japanese automaker recently announced the fifth generation of Prius, which now has a new exterior look and new interior features. With 25 years on the market, the model has become a point of reference in the hybrid car market.
O Prius Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) comes with an innovative system that includes a solar panel that promises to extend autonomy by more than 1,2 per year. According to Toyota, the vehicle's system uses solar radiation captured by a solar panel mounted on the roof to convert it into electrical energy for the batteries while the car is stationary.
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