The 2024 Toyota HiLux Hydrogen Fuel Cell is the new project by the Japanese company. Well, we expected novelties, but this is the high-end technology. We can say that sometimes in the future, such powerplants will be the only source of energy for vehicles. But, for the 2024 season, it seems to be too futuristic.
Toyota is not the first company to introduce such plans. There were even some pickup trucks with fuel cell engine technology. Some of you might remember the Ford Super Chief with tri-fuel engine. Well, that prototype was introduced more than 15 years ago, and the system is still too much for the current automotive industry.
Nevertheless, the 2024 Toyota HiLux Hydrogen Fuel Cell is under the development and the official statement is on the company’s website. Let’s check what to expect from the new pickup.
Toyota HiLux and Tacoma – New Generation, New Technologies
Two trucks are sharing the platform and most options. And both of them are the best-sellers in the markets they cover. Anyway, it is time for the next generations. The development of new trucks is in the final stages. We already know that Toyota is working on a hybrid system that will be deployed on Tacoma. Also, an electric pickup was in plans, but the production is not starting in next couple of seasons. So, the 2024 Toyota HiLux Hydrogen Fuel Cell is something that came by surprise. Such technology is even more advanced than the base EV. It seems like the company is preparing a pitch for big upgrades.
2024 Toyota HiLux Hydrogen Fuel Cell – What Is It?
We already know that all companies are already adding electric vehicles to their lineups. Hybrid setups are normal nowadays. But, in the near future, even such configurations will be pushed out from the market by the zero-emission drivetrains. Most countries are even funding such projects. For example, the UK was interested in the HiLux Fuel Cell, so Toyota partners the government in R&D. Expect the first units there, although the truck is also very popular in Australia.
The fuel cell technology is very similar to drivetrains of electric vehicles. Hydrogen energy is being converted to electric power through fuel cells. So, basically – fuel cell is producing energy, while battery on EVs have it stored. Anyway, the FCEV can also use battery to store the energy it produces from hydrogen, giving another option.
Although electric motors are more efficient, the hydrogen fuel cell system is way lighter. That is very important in the truck industry. In the real life, that means extended range and higher towing capacity.
Release Date and Price
The company advertises the truck as the 2024 YM. We doubt it will enter the production so soon. The 2024 Toyota HiLux Hydrogen Fuel Cell will be a prototype of the vehicle that we might see in a few years. One of the main reasons is the cost of production, which also affects the final price. Truckers like to pay extra for features that will make a work easier. Nowadays, the fuel cell truck can’t offer too much more than the internal-combustion plant, but costs a lot more.