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Toyota confirms hydrogen Hilux plans
Toyota has revealed serious plans to develop a hydrogen-powered version of the popular Hilux pickup. Unveiling the new Hilux generation, the company confirmed that while the model will be offered with conventional internal-combustion and electric drivetrains, its strategic focus leans toward electrification — and hydrogen will play a complementary role.
Production timeline and collaboration
Toyota aims to add a hydrogen Hilux to its production line from 2028. The Japanese automaker is already working with BMW on the development of BMW’s first fuel-cell production vehicle, the iX5 Hydrogen, leveraging shared expertise in hydrogen technologies and fuel-cell systems.
Why hydrogen for a pickup?
Hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains offer fast refueling and long driving range, which are attractive qualities for work trucks and fleet applications where downtime matters. Toyota’s experience with the Mirai fuel-cell sedan — produced in limited volumes and sold in select U.S. markets — underpins this strategy and reduces risk when scaling hydrogen to larger vehicles like the Hilux.
- Planned start: 2028 production target
- Technology backbone: Toyota’s Mirai experience and BMW collaboration
- Market aim: fleets, commercial users, and regions with hydrogen infrastructure
For car enthusiasts and fleet managers, the hydrogen Hilux could become an important alternative to battery-electric and diesel pickups, especially in markets where hydrogen refueling networks expand. Toyota’s approach highlights a broader industry trend: treating battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell technologies as complementary solutions rather than direct rivals.
"Hydrogen gives pickups a practical refuel time and range profile for heavy-duty and long-distance use," industry analysts note, underscoring why Toyota is pursuing the idea seriously.
Expect more technical details, range estimates, and potential markets to be revealed as Toyota moves closer to the 2028 target.
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