Hilux is one of the most important vehicles in the lineup and the best-selling truck in the world. In the US, it is called Tacoma. The 2024 Toyota HiLux Hydrogen Fuel Cell is the latest project where the truckmaker is going to implement the new technology that will drop emissions to zero. It won’t be easy, but engineers are ready for the challenge. Toyota is not funding this research and development by itself. The UK Government supports the efforts, not only with words but also with some finances.
The statement says the UK Government wants more zero-emission vehicles, and one of them should be the 2024 Toyota HiLux Hydrogen Fuel Cell. The Japanese company will use funds to continue the development of the second-gen fuel cell technology and make it suitable for pickup truck.
Well, those are the biggest obstacles. Hydrogen drivetrains are still considered high-end tech. Besides that, the truck market is very specific. The main purpose of those vehicles is to work. So, emissions and fuel economy are not the priorities. If the hydrogen fuel cell can’t make Hilux work better and tow more, it will be hardly be interesting to truckers. On the other hand, that won’t matter in a few years when all the vehicles switch to clean, electric power.
What We Know So Far?
The 2024 Toyota HiLux Hydrogen Fuel Cell is just a big announcement. We assume that the first prototypes will come out next year. The UK Government is funding the project and the Japanese company will have to bring out the first results. That doesn’t mean the hydrogen truck is hitting dealerships so soon.
Toyota is a leader in electrification. Basically, hydrogen is used for those fuel cells to be converted into pure electric power. That makes it clean, but also an expensive technology. We already saw a few interesting concepts related to hydrogen energy, but such vehicles are not being in production yet. Once EVs take over the market, we believe that fuel cells will be the next stage of the evolution.
When to Expect the 2024 Toyota HiLux Hydrogen Fuel Cell?
This is a far-fetched project and the production of the advanced technology won’t start so soon. But, Toyota has a pole position, thanks to the financial injection and existing technology. Still, there is a long way to go. Maybe the competition could make the Japanese company speed up the development. Honda announced that the new 2024 CR-V is getting a hydrogen fuel cell support. Previously, Ford had an interesting concept, Super Chief. According to rumors, the US carmaker is reviving interest in this one.
A big downside of the 2024 Toyota HiLux Hydrogen Fuel Cell will be the price. This is still an expensive technology and a key reason why companies are not producing such drivetrain systems. But, with the support of the UK Government, the HiLux could be a pioneer in this realm. Plus, buyers of zero-emission vehicles are still eligible for several credits that can make a purchase more affordable.
Source: Toyota Europe