Hard Cell? Toyota Bets On Hydrogen As True Successor For Diesel
25/02/2025 09:04 Share
Hard Cell? Toyota Bets On Hydrogen As True Successor For Diesel
Toyota has revealed it has begun work a new generation of fuel cell system as part of its commitment to developing hydrogen as another alternative to zero-emission motoring alongside electric power.
The all-new 3rd Gen FC System is being designed with a specific focus on maximising its capabilities in the commercial sector.
Pick-ups and vans sit at the heart of the new strategy, though Toyota says the technology will also extend to passenger cars, heavy-goods vehicles (HGVs), stationary generators, rail and even ships.
While electric has emerged as the more widespread alternative to carbon-emitting fossil-fuels, large steps have also been taken to refine hydrogen fuel cell technology in recent years as another option towards zero tailpipe emissions.
Toyota has been at the forefront of hydrogen research and development, even going as far as to offer its own fuel cell vehicle (FCV), the Toyota Mirai, since 2014.
However, it is now set to step up its efforts with the launch of more FCVs in the coming years, including a hydrogen-fuelled version of the Toyota Hilux pick-up.
The significance of a Toyota Hilux FCV - which is being developed at Toyota's UK facility in Burnaston, Derby - shouldn’t underestimated. Indeed, it could arrive in lieu of an electric version, a move that would see Toyota go against the grain of its rivals in the sector and potentially raise the prospect of other manufacturers investing in FCV technology.
The decision to prioritise an FCV Hilux over an electric Hilux is motivated by Toyota’s assertion that hydrogen represents a more natural alternative to diesel-fuel.
Indeed, while electric vehicles rely on charging – a process that can take hours when doing so from 0% to a full 100% – FCVs generate their own electricity from hydrogen stored within the stacked fuel cells. Filling an FCV’s ‘tank’ with highly pressurised hydrogen gas is more akin to traditional fuelling and takes no more than a couple of minutes.
The 3rd Gen FC System promises to enjoy ‘significant improvements in performance, fuel efficiency and cost reductions compared to prior versions’. For passenger vehicles, the new system provides a greater cruising range, while heavier duty commercial FCVs aim to demonstrate the level of durability associated with its diesel-fuelled counterpart.
The Pros & Cons of Hydrogen
While Toyota is certainly further down the road of development when it comes to fuel cell technology, it isn’t the only major manufacturer directing investment towards a hydrogen future.
Both Vauxhall and Renault have developed hydrogen prototypes of its respective Vivaro and Master models, a sure sign that firms see the evident benefits of adapting the tech for use with a van-based architecture.
Key to this approach is the long driving range with between 300 and 500 miles thought to be possible depending on the size of the fuel cell.
This is all without emitting any carbon gases – like electric - since the only byproduct of hydrogen is water vapour. Unlike electric, however, refuelling takes only a couple of minutes.
With this in mind, hydrogen fuel harbours appeal over electric for those in the commercial sector who regularly cover longer distances that are seeking a greener alternative but are deterred by the length of time it takes to recharge vehicles.
There are drawbacks to hydrogen power, however. Key to the issue is the scant infrastructure for refuelling with only a small proportion of European forecourts capable of supplying hydrogen gas refilling stations.
This is likely to improve over the next few years, however, with manufacturers keen to see investment in a so-called ‘hydrogen corridor’ created along major haulage and commercial routes in Europe.
Other factors centre around hydrogen being highly combustible, meaning only specially trained mechanics would be able to carry out maintenance.
Which Electric Pick-Ups Are Available Now?
For those that cannot wait, there are a handful of zero emission EV pick-up models on the way in the coming months - take a look at what you have to look forward to: READ MORE HERE
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