Driven by growing customer demand and Toyota's humane approach to mobility in all sectors, the company recognized a new opportunity in the commercial vehicle market to offer zero-emission products.
Last year, Toyota successfully applied for funding for the activities of the APC (Advance Propulsion Centre), representing a project that contributes to the development of new, cleaner technologies and solutions for mobility. APC plays a fundamental role in the UK automotive segment and offers unique opportunities to bridge the gap between manufacturing and future technology requirements. This funding specifically supports the later stage of research and development that follows the product from proof of concept to prototype vehicle.
A consortium led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (TMUK) will receive funds to cover the cost of developing fuel cell powertrains for the Hilux model. In collaboration with highly skilled UK-based technical and engineering partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H and Thatcham Research, the project aims to win production of the second generation of Toyota fuel cell components (already used in the latest Toyota Mirai). , to transform the Hilux into a fuel cell electric vehicle.
TMUK will lead this project, while a team within Toyota Motor Europe (TME) R&D will provide expertise and technical support, to enable other teams in the UK to build their own technology and become ready to develop the next generation of hydrogen propulsion.
For more than 20 years, Toyota has promoted a comprehensive approach to carbon neutrality by offering a diverse range of vehicles, including all electrified technologies, hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, as well as battery electric and fuel cell electric cars.
The successful development of the hydrogen-powered transport sector is an essential element for reaching this goal. As part of the offer, the first prototype vehicle will be produced at TMUK's facilities in Burnston during 2023. After achieving successful results, the goal is to prepare for small series production. This project represents an exciting opportunity to explore the possibilities of further applications of Toyota's fuel cell technology in the vehicle segment, which is key to a number of industries, and which will help support the sector's move towards decarbonisation.
"Great Britain is one of the key markets for pick-up vehicles, but it is also an important market for Toyota. This investment represents a huge opportunity to develop solutions for zero emission vehicles in a very important segment of the market. We would like to thank the UK Government for the financial investment that will enable the consortium to explore further development of fuel cell powertrains for the Toyota Hilux model, supporting our plans to achieve carbon neutrality”.
