KATHMANDU: Toyota is preparing to launch a hydrogen fuel cell version of its Hilux pickup in 2028. The Hilux FCEV will join the electric and mild-hybrid diesel versions of the pickup in Europe.
The hydrogen-powered Hilux is expected to offer a driving range of up to 400 km on a full tank. Toyota says the vehicle will take around five minutes to refuel, significantly faster than the Hilux EV’s 30-minute 10-80% charging time.
The Hilux FCEV is also being developed with a targeted towing capacity of around 2,500 kg, compared with 2,000 kg for the electric version.
The pickup will use a fuel cell system similar to the one used in the Toyota Mirai. Like other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, it produces water as the only tailpipe emission.
Toyota first showcased a Hilux hydrogen prototype in 2022 and built a fleet of 10 test vehicles in 2024. Earlier test vehicles used three hydrogen tanks integrated into the ladder-frame chassis and a lithium-ion battery mounted under the cargo bed.
Toyota has yet to confirm the final drivetrain configuration of the production model, including whether it will be offered with all-wheel drive.
The Hilux FCEV is expected to become one of the first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell mid-size pickups in Europe when it arrives in 2028.
