Toyota is heading up a consortium developing a hydrogen-powered Hilux pickup based at the manufacturer's UK vehicle plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire.
The group secured funding for the project through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, a non-profit organisation working with the UK Government, the automotive industry and academic bodies to support the transition to net-zero vehicles. It aims to help bridge the gap between industry and future technological requirements and to help achieve significant change in the industry and create commercial and strategic outcomes that benefit the UK.
Led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK), the consortium will receive funding to develop hydrogen technologies for the commercial vehicle market over the next three years. The funding specifically covers the later-stage research and development that progresses a product from proof-of-concept to a prototype vehicle.
TMUK is taking the lead on the project, with Toyota Motor Europe (TME) R&D providing technical support to help the UK-based teams build their expertise to develop the next-generation hydrogen drivetrain technologies. TMUK Will also collaborate with UK-based technical engineering partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H and Thatcham Research. The project will use components from Toyota’s second-generation fuel cell system featured in the Mirai saloon.
Toyota sees the route towards carbon neutrality as one paved with multiple technologies, offering a diverse range of electrified options, including hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric and fuel cell electric, to meet different mobility requirements. Establishing a thriving hydrogen transport sector is essential to achieving this goal.
Toyota will initially produce the prototype Hilux vehicles at Burnaston, beginning in 2023, and then, once performance testing has been completed, the pickup will be prepared for small series production.
“The opportunity that this funding enables is significant and goes towards developing the technical capabilities not only of our employees here at our site in Burnaston in the East Midlands but also of those within the wider consortium partners,” commented TMUK managing director, Richard Kenworthy. “This region is heavily committed to supporting zero emissions mobility, and we see this project as a great opportunity to contribute to the critical path on the road to carbon zero mobility. This UK Government funding will enable teams within the consortium to acquire key skills that can then be used to investigate other fuel cell applications.”
Toyota Motor Europe president and CEO Matt Harrison added:
“The UK is one of the key markets for pick-up trucks and an important market for Toyota. This funding represents a tremendous opportunity to develop a zero-emission solution in a critical market segment. We would like to thank the UK Government for the funding that will enable the consortium to investigate the development of a fuel cell powertrain for the Toyota Hilux, supporting our carbon neutrality ambition.”
Toyota is receiving £11.3 million — £5.6 million from the government and a further £5.7 million from industry — to develop a hydrogen fuel cell version of the Hilux pickup truck, which is an ideal option for use in isolated settings where electric vehicle charging is impractical. The project will support more than 250 jobs across the UK over the next decade.
Business Secretary Grant Shapps, from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, said:
“Our automotive industry is a world-leader, creating jobs whether in Essex, Somerset or Glasgow. Seizing the potential from new technologies will be a key part of its future success, while also making our roads cleaner, greener and more affordable. Today’s multi-million-pound boost – created by government working hand-in-hand with industry – will put these firms in pole position to pioneer these innovations, staying at the cutting edge of the global race for decades to come.”
Consortium Members
Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK began production in 1992 as Toyota’s first fully-owned manufacturing business in Europe. Since then, Toyota has invested more than £2.75 billion in its UK manufacturing operations and employs more than 3,000 people. TMUK produces the Corolla Hatchback, Touring Sports and Commercial models at its production centre in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and hybrid engines at its Deeside, North Wales facility.
Ricardo is a global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy specialising in the transport, energy and scarce resources sectors. It will support the technical integration of the fuel cell components into the Hilux chassis.
The D2H group of companies provides high-tech engineering services in simulation, modelling, aerodynamics, thermodynamics and design for motorsport and other high-performance industries. Its thermodynamic expertise will be crucial to the project.
ETL is committed to delivering high-integrity thermal solutions through excellence in design and innovation.
Thatcham Research was established by the UK’s motor insurance industry in 1969 to contain or reduce the cost of motor insurance claims while maintaining safety standards.
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