Toyota Hilux Hydrogen: ahead of its time?

As electric vans struggle to take off in the UK, Toyota has charged ahead with their hydrogen powered pickup project. But are these trucks ready for the real world, and is the real world ready for them?

First revealed in late 2023, the Toyota Hilux hydrogen prototype has officially reached the testing phase of development. The first of their kind, a fleet of ten fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) pickups have been put together in the UK so far. Five have taken to the dirt track for testing, while the remaining five have been sent on tour to strut their stuff at major sporting events this summer.

It’s no secret that electric vans haven’t taken off in the UK in quite the way many might have hoped or predicted, with range and charging infrastructure often popping up as key concerns for those looking to decarbonise their fleets. Hydrogen powered commercial vehicles have long been seen as a potential savior in this regard, and with rumblings of fuel-cell Movanos and hydrogen Masters on the horizon, Toyota are far from the only brand eyeing this space.

A familiar face on a familiar frame.

The hydrogen Hilux comes in at the same body size as the regular extra cab Hilux (basically a 1.5 cab edition for the uninitiated), which sits on the same drivetrain elements used in the Japanese brands previous FCEV endeavor, the Toyota Mirai. This tried and tested base lets this proto-pickup stretch its legs in one key area: range. Able to power on for an expected 373 miles between fuel top-ups, even the marathoning Tesla Cybertruck will be left behind to charge around the 340-mile mark. What about the charge time? Well, as this pickup refuels in a mere five minutes, Cybertruck drivers will also be left twiddling their thumbs as the Hilux hurtles into the distance.  

This setup pushes 180 hp and 300 nm of torque through the e-motor located on the rear axle, which in previous sneak peeks has been seen hooked up to wheels clad in Bridgestone Dueler A/T rubber. This choice makes sense to us: tyres known for their smooth and quiet ride, coupled with the lack of roaring ICE, and we’re expecting a driving experience quieter than the “g” in lasagne.

City slicker?

Now, you may have picked up (see what we did there) on this being a rear-wheel drive only offering, which poses the question: just how mobile is this sustainable mobility solution? Well, combine this limited power delivery with a relatively low floor, likely the consequence of the three whopping hydrogen tanks kept down there, and this looks like a distinctly ‘on-road’ LCV. Ultimately, we reckon these will be best used as city-based goods and service delivery vehicles, should they make it to full production.

So, it may not be as rugged as say, a Ford Ranger, but why have we limited it to cities? Well, if you’ve concerns about the current charging infrastructure for EVs, we’ve got bad news. Hydrogen fueling stations across the UK are closing down, dwindling from their peak of around 15. Hydrogen may be the future, but it’s not looking like the present. While there are plans in motion to boost these infrastructure numbers with a fleet focus, the inability to top-up at home will make locating close to a (probably not rural) hub a priority.

Visionary or dreamer?

Of course, we’ll cut the Hilux some slack considering this is only the testing phase and is part of a far bigger fuel cell development plan within Toyota, which has seen rapid and continued developments across the board. Pair that with the sharp push towards carbon neutrality in the commercial sector, and we’ll subscribe to the Marty McFly mentality of: “I guess you guys aren't ready for that yet. But your kids are gonna love it”.

But what do you think? Could this be the future, or does the world have a bit too much catching up to do?