Hydrogen could be fuel of the future for pick-up trucks, Toyota says

Date: Monday, March 14, 2022   |   Author: James Dallas

Hydrogen could be the fuel best suited to power pick-up trucks once the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles is prohibited from 2030, according to Toyota Professional’s UK boss Gareth Matthews. 

Matthews pointed out the problems of adapting battery-electric power to pick-up trucks, which need to carry and, more importantly, tow heavy loads as well as have the ability to operate in rugged off-road conditions.

He said hydrogen was better suited to heavy duty vehicles, which has been demonstrated in its use in HGVs and buses, and added that battery packs fitted to the underside of pick-up trucks could be exposed to damage in rough terrain.

Toyota is to give a UK debut to its new flagship pick-up, the Hilux GR Sport, at the Commercial Vehicle Show in May.

The GR Sport features an upgraded suspension system, with new shock absorbers and front springs, which Toyota says has been designed to provide improved handling. It gets the most powerful engine from the existing Hilux range, a 2.8-litre 201hp diesel, which provides 500Nm of torque, and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It also features the word ‘Toyota’ on its front grille, rather than the brand’s logo, which adorns other Hilux models.

The double-cab only GR Sport will go on sale in the summer, priced at £37,551 excluding VAT.



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