A new version of the Toyota Hilux will feature hydrogen fuel cells. The project called Hilux H2 is under development using technology from the second-gen Mirai and resources provided by the UK government.
The new Hilux H2 is set to be built in 2023 in the UK, with the help of a collection of research and development partners and under the funding and support of the UK government, as part of the Advanced Propulsion Center (APC) project initiative. The allocated budget is estimated at $13.86 million, and it aims to help Toyota turn the blueprints into a concrete prototype.
Toyota hilux h2 prototype is getting a mirai sourced fcev powertrain
To save time, money, and effort, Toyota is not starting from scratch; the project will start with a diesel-powered Hilux and a Mirai hydrogen powertrain, including all its main components (fuel cells, the electric motor, and the tanks). The objective is to find a practical way to replace the Hilux’s diesel powertrain with that of the Mirai and turn the pickup truck into an efficient, production-worthy zero-emission vehicle. It’s worth noting that the Yaris and Corolla were also considered for the project before settling on the Hilux.
We’re still lacking details about the projected performance figure of the Hilux H2. But at least we’ve got a good idea about the Mirai powertrain. The Hydrogen powered engine is capable of producing 182 hp (136 kW / 185 PS) and 300 Nm (220 lb-ft) of torque, which is a bit less than the Hilux standard diesel engine’s 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.
The Mirai current 402 miles range is expected to be reduced due to the weight difference between the Mirai and the Hilux and also the truck’s bad aerodynamics.
Each of the technical partners will focus on a specific task. The engineering firm Ricardo for example will work on the technical integration of the fuel cell components to the ladder-frame chassis of the pickup, while ETL will develop solutions for thermal management. D2H specialty will be thermodynamics, and Thatcham Research will monitor the truck’s safety features and insurance ratings.
The development of the Hilux H2 will help explore new applications of fuel cell technology in the pickup truck segment, and eventually, pave the way for mass production once the refueling infrastructure is ready.
Toyota hilux h2 prototype is getting a mirai sourced fcev powertrain
Although a hydrogen-powered Hilux is still a long way out, the next generation of this popular vehicle will definitely feature some kind of electrification. The current generation was first launched in 2015, and despite two successive updates in 2017 and 2020, the truck is in dire need of modernization to keep up with the competition in the rapidly developing pickup truck market.
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