Toyota HiLux FCEV wanted in Australia

Toyota Australia is keen to get its hands on one of the Toyota HiLux FCEVs (hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles) being developed and tested in the UK as the zero-emissions prototype ute heads into the next chapter of its development.

Of the 10 prototypes created thus far, Toyota says five of them are undergoing “rigorous field testing” to assess safety, performance, functionality and durability, while the other five are being used for customer and media demonstrations.

Demonstrations at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris are also on the cards.

“If a prototype were to become available for evaluation in Australia, we would welcome the opportunity, especially given the extensive involvement with HiLux by our vehicle evaluation department,” a Toyota Australia spokesperson said.

Toyota Australia has been one of the leading lights of the Japanese car-maker’s hydrogen endeavours, having deployed the innovative Mirai FCEV sedan for government and police fleet duties, helped develop the internal-combustion hydrogen HiAce van prototype and tested similar powertrain tech as part of the right-hand drive Tundra pick-up project.

In Europe, Toyota has also revealed the internal-combustion hydrogen-powered GR Yaris H2.

Having just launched its first EV in the bZ4X mid-size electric SUV, the world’s biggest car-maker is also planning a plethora of bZ-badged battery-electric models, as well as commercial applications of the technology such as the fully-functioning Toyota HiLux Revo BEV ute concept, which spent several months travelling Australia as part of an ‘internal review’ by Toyota and its dealers and fleet partners.

Meantime, the hydrogen fuel-cell powered HiLux debuted in September last year featuring an adapted version of the Mirai’s FCEV powertrain, with fuel stored in three high-pressure fuel tanks giving prototypes a theoretical driving range of more than 587km.

The primary battery is stashed in the tray to avoid compromising cabin space, while the single drive motor is mounted on the rear axle and outputs 134kW/300Nm.

Toyota UK confirmed that field testing and customer engagement activities “will conclude the final phase of the demonstration project for the fuel-cell HiLux”, but it hasn’t confirmed what will happen after that.

Previous comments by the Japanese giant suggest the HiLux FCEV prototypes will be distributed around the globe for evaluation, testing and demonstration purposes in key pick-up markets like Australia, Thailand and South Africa.

With Australia being so rich in natural resources and having some of the harshest conditions in the world, there’s a strong chance at least a couple of HiLux FCEVs will also be tested Down Under, especially since the HiLux Revo BEV concept has already set a comparable baseline here.

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