The pick-up has been developed in a joint project with consortium partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H Advanced Technologies and Thatcham Research. and funding from the government via the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).
In a statement, Richard Kenworthy, TMUK managing director, 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.”
TMUK said the new powertrain uses core elements from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric saloon. Three high-pressure fuel tanks are used, giving the Hilux an expected driving range of more than 365 miles. The battery, which stores electricity produced on-board by the fuel cell, is positioned in the rear load deck to avoid loss of cabin space.
The project began in early 2022 with a feasibility study undertaken by TMUK and Toyota Motor Europe with the consortium partners.
Funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre enabled the start of a design and development programme from July 1, 2022, with additional support from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).
Prototype construction began on June 5, 2023, working to Toyota Production System principles in a dedicated area within the TMUK facility. The first vehicle - the first of 10 that will be built by the end of this year - was completed three weeks later. These will undergo testing to ensure the safety, dynamic performance, functionality and durability of the vehicle meet production model standards.
Ian Constance APC Chief Executive, commented: “The project consortium has made significant progress to deliver several vehicle demonstrators developed and built in the UK. Seeing the prototype hydrogen fuel cell Toyota Hilux global launch within a year of the start of the project is a clear demonstration of the capabilities and strengths of the UK’s automotive supply chain.”
Ricardo supported preparations for the prototype build, carrying out design and development tasks and confirming the complete manufacturing process in parallel with teams at TMUK. The company will undertake complete evaluation of the vehicle over the coming months. Thatcham Research supported the project through the provision of sustainable repair consultancy and the preparation of hydrogen training for the repair market.
Mandate sets 2030 date for use of sustainable aviation fuel
I do hope this doesn't cause costs to UK aviation to rise and lose business to those staying on fossil fuels.