Toyota has reached one other milestone in its progress in the direction of a zero carbon future with the disclosing of a prototype hydrogen gasoline cell electrical Hilux. Its debut is an extra demonstration of the broad scope of Toyota’s multi-path technique for attaining carbon-free mobility, making use of totally different powertrain options – hybrid electrical, plug-in hybrid electrical, battery electrical and gasoline cell electrical – to swimsuit totally different consumer wants and working environments worldwide.
The bottom-breaking pick-up was revealed at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s automobile plant in Derby, England, the place it has been developed in a joint challenge with consortium companions, supported by UK Authorities funding. Hilux is a worldwide icon of the Toyota model with a status for distinctive reliability and sturdiness. The event challenge has explored how these qualities could be maintained whereas adopting a brand new gasoline cell electrical zero emission powertrain.
The brand new powertrain makes use of core components from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen gasoline cell electrical sedan – expertise that has proved its high quality in nearly 10 years of economic manufacturing. When pushed, the gasoline cell produces no tailpipe emissions aside from pure water.
Hydrogen is saved in three high-pressure gasoline tanks, giving the prototype Hilux an anticipated driving vary of greater than 600 km (373 miles) – considerably additional than could be achieved with a battery electrical system. The hybrid battery, which shops electrical energy produced on-board by the gasoline cell, is positioned within the rear load deck, avoiding lack of cabin area.
The challenge started in early 2022 with a feasibility research undertaken by TMUK and Toyota Motor Europe. Funding was subsequently gained from the UK Authorities via the Superior Propulsion Centre, a non-profit organisation supporting the event of cleaner applied sciences and new mobility ideas. This enabled the beginning of an intense design and improvement programme from 1 July 2022, with consortium companions Ricardo, ETL, D2H Superior Applied sciences, Thatcham Analysis and extra assist from Toyota Motor Company (TMC).
Prototype building started on June 5 this yr, working to Toyota Manufacturing System ideas in a devoted space throughout the TMUK facility. The primary automobile was accomplished simply three weeks later, the primary of 10 that shall be constructed by the top of this yr. These will bear rigorous testing to make sure security, dynamic efficiency, performance and sturdiness meet the excessive requirements required of a manufacturing mannequin.
The challenge has enabled TMUK members to develop and apply new abilities regarding gasoline cell electrified autos and hydrogen system parts. The consortium members have additionally all performed key roles within the preliminary section of the programme. Ricardo has supported preparations for the prototype construct, finishing up design and improvement duties and confirming the entire manufacturing course of in parallel with groups at TMUK. Ricardo will undertake full analysis of the automobile over the approaching months, previous to a call on a possible manufacturing mannequin being launched within the second half of this decade.
Sep 5, 2023