The future of net-zero trucking makes its first public appearance at Cenex-LCV and Cenex-CAM 2023

The iconic Toyota Hilux with hydrogen fuel cell system to be unveiled at the UK Government Pavilion.

The UK Government Pavilion is thrilled to host the first public unveiling of the UK-manufactured, electrified, hydrogen fuel-cell Toyota Hilux on 6 September at the Cenex-LCV and Cenex-CAM event. This latest masterpiece in automotive engineering has been developed by a consortium of UK businesses and supported by funding from the UK Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC).

The consortium, led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK), received funding to cover the development of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hilux, working in collaboration with UK-based technical engineering partners Ricardo, European Thermodynamics Limited, D2H Limited and Thatcham Research. The ground-breaking pick-up truck was revealed at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston plant in Derby, where it has been developed.

Electrifying Performance, Responsible Engineering: At the heart of the Toyota Hilux lies a cutting-edge hydrogen powertrain that delivers the performance that fans have come to expect of the Hilux whilst addressing the requirement for zero tailpipe emission vehicles in this market segment. Three high-pressure fuel tanks are used to give the Hilux an expected range of 365 miles. The battery is positioned in the rear load deck, avoiding the loss of cabin space.

After an intense design and development period with all consortium partners, prototype construction began on 5 June 2023 at the TMUK facility. The first vehicle was completed three weeks later, the first of 10 that will be built by the end of this year, some of these vehicles will be used as customer demonstrators and the remaining will be used for static and dynamic testing to ensure the vehicle can meet the high standards required of a production model.

Philippa Oldham, Stakeholder Engagement Director, at APC commented,

This fantastic project has pushed the boundaries of what is possible when companies collaborate and are supported by UK Government funding. APC is committed to supporting organisations that are developing and manufacturing technology to anchor R&D capabilities and safeguard and create new high-value jobs in the UK. The next generation of net-zero vehicles and technologies is firmly embedded in the UK.

Richard Kenworthy, TMUK Managing Director added,

The development of the hydrogen-fuelled Hilux in a very short period, has been a huge accomplishment for the entire project team and consortium members. The UK Government funding has not only facilitated the upskilling of our teams but also boosts UK manufacturing with the potential to deliver net-zero vehicles for the future.

About the consortium members

Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) produces Corolla Hatchback, Touring Sports and Commercial models at its production centre in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and hybrid engines at its facility in Deeside North Wales. TMUK began production in 1992 as Toyota’s first fully owned manufacturing business in Europe and went on to become the company’s first location for hybrid electric vehicle manufacturing outside Japan. To date, Toyota has invested more than £2.75 billion in its UK manufacturing operations; TMUK currently employs more than 3,000 people and supports many further jobs in its extensive UK supplier network.

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. 

ETL (European Thermodynamics) is committed to delivering high-integrity thermal solutions through excellence in design and innovation.

The D2H Advanced Technologies group of companies provides high-technology 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.

Thatcham Research was established by the UK’s motor insurance industry in 1969, with the aim of containing or reducing the cost of motor insurance claims while maintaining safety standards. It will support the project with regards to repairability and FCEV training programme development.