Although hydrogen cars are uncommon, they are still regarded as a viable alternative towards a zero-emission transportation future, particularly in areas where electric infrastructure is inadequate. In line with this, Toyota has received funding from the UK government to develop the country’s first hydrogen-powered pickup truck.
Toyota has announced that it will lead a consortium to develop the hydrogen-powered Hilux truck at its Burnaston, Derbyshire, plant. The UK government will contribute more than £11 million to the project through the Coventry-based Advanced Propulsion Centre, a non-profit organization that promotes the development of cleaner transportation technology.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is investing £5.6 million in the Burnaston-based research scheme, with an additional £5.7 million coming from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), an industry body that supports work to decarbonize transportation.
According to the government, the agreement could result in the creation of up to 250 jobs across the UK.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The technology consists of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell which is mated to a lithium ion battery. The generated electricity is sent to the battery and later to the motors propelling the wheels.
So far, UK customers have only two hydrogen car options: one from Hyundai and one from Toyota – the Mirai, the latter has 180hp and 400 miles of range.
Richard Kenworthy, Toyota Motor UK Managing Director, said: “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.”