Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK has completed the construction of ten prototype vehicles utilizing their fuel cell electric technology. These vehicles, known as the Fuel Cell Hilux, are powered by hydrogen and emit zero tailpipe emissions.
The project, which began in September 2023, has now entered its final phase. Five of the prototypes are currently being tested for safety, performance, functionality, and durability, providing valuable real-world driving data. The remaining five units will be used for customer and media demonstrations, including at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
While the external appearance of the Fuel Cell Hilux remains the same as the latest Hilux model, it is what lies beneath the surface that sets it apart. Utilizing Toyota’s fuel cell technology, the vehicle is expected to have an impressive range of up to 600 km, surpassing that of battery electric systems. Additionally, the lightweight nature of hydrogen enables the Fuel Cell Hilux to have higher payload and towing capacity compared to other zero-emission alternatives.
Hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure fuel tanks, with a total system capacity of 7.8 kg. These tanks are securely mounted inside the ladder frame chassis. The fuel cell stack, consisting of 330 cells, is positioned over the front axle. The rear-wheel drive is powered by a rear-axle electric motor, generating a maximum power of 134 kW (182 DIN hp) and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. Remarkably, the fuel cell only emits water during operation, making it a truly eco-friendly option.
To store the electricity produced by the fuel cell, a lithium-ion hybrid battery is located in the rear cargo area above the hydrogen tanks. This strategic placement ensures that there is no loss of cabin space, allowing for optimal passenger comfort.
Beyond the Fuel Cell Hilux prototypes, Toyota views this project as a crucial step towards the further development of hydrogen technology. By demonstrating the capabilities of fuel cell vehicles and promoting the growth of hydrogen ecosystems and infrastructure across Europe, the company aims to drive the adoption of this sustainable form of transportation. Toyota’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship shines through in the fuel cell Hilux, setting a new standard for eco-friendly vehicles.
FAQ Section
Q: What are the prototype vehicles recently completed by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK?
A: Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK has completed the construction of ten prototype vehicles known as the Fuel Cell Hilux.
Q: How are the Fuel Cell Hilux vehicles powered?
A: The Fuel Cell Hilux vehicles are powered by hydrogen.
Q: What is the benefit of the fuel cell technology used in the Fuel Cell Hilux?
A: The fuel cell technology used in the Fuel Cell Hilux allows for an impressive range of up to 600 km, surpassing that of battery electric systems.
Q: What is the unique characteristic of the Fuel Cell Hilux’s fuel cell?
A: The fuel cell of the Fuel Cell Hilux only emits water during operation, making it a truly eco-friendly option.
Q: How is the electricity produced by the fuel cell stored?
A: The electricity produced by the fuel cell is stored in a lithium-ion hybrid battery located in the rear cargo area above the hydrogen tanks.
Q: What is Toyota’s aim in promoting the growth of hydrogen ecosystems and infrastructure?
A: Toyota aims to drive the adoption of hydrogen technology and sustainable transportation by demonstrating the capabilities of fuel cell vehicles and promoting the growth of hydrogen ecosystems and infrastructure across Europe.
Key Terms & Jargon Definitions
– Fuel Cell: A fuel cell is a device that converts the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction.
– Hydrogen: Hydrogen is a chemical element that is used as a fuel source in fuel cell vehicles, producing only water as a byproduct.
– Tailpipe emissions: Tailpipe emissions refer to the pollutants emitted from the exhaust system of a vehicle, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
– Zero-emission: Zero-emission refers to vehicles that do not produce any tailpipe emissions during their operation.
– Payload capacity: Payload capacity refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle can carry, including passengers and cargo.
– Towing capacity: Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle can safely tow behind it.
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