Toyota has reached one other milestone in its progress in direction of zero carbon with the disclosing of a prototype hydrogen gas cell Hilux.
Constructed at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston automobile plant in Derby, it has been developed in a joint venture with consortium companions, supported by UK Authorities funding (by way of the Superior Propulsion Centre).
The brand new powertrain makes use of core parts from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen gas cell electrical saloon – expertise that has proved its high quality in nearly 10 years of business manufacturing. When pushed, the gas cell produces no tailpipe emissions apart from pure water.
Three high-pressure gas tanks are used, giving the Hilux an anticipated driving vary of greater than 365 miles – considerably additional than is perhaps achieved with a battery electrical system. The battery, which shops electrical energy produced on-board by the gas cell, is positioned within the rear load deck, avoiding lack of cabin area.
“The venture crew have achieved an unimaginable job in a really quick area of time, from creating the prototype construct space to completion of the primary car,” mentioned Richard Kenworthy, TMUK Managing Director.
“The UK Authorities funding has enabled us not solely to develop a brand new car in report time, but additionally to upskill our groups to work on hydrogen-related applied sciences, one thing we hope to construct on sooner or later.
“It is a nice vote of confidence in UK manufacturing and its potential to ship carbon-free automobiles to satisfy future targets.”
