D2H Advanced Technologies is working as part of a consortium of leading British engineering and industry bodies to develop a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of the iconic Toyota Hilux.

The project, led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd (TMUK) and funded by the UK Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), will investigate and develop the necessary technologies to integrate the second-generation fuel cell components as used in the latest Toyota Mirai within an electrically-propelled Hilux.

D2H will use their expertise in simulation, aerodynamics and thermodynamics – honed over many years at the pinnacle of competitive motorsport – to address the many challenges involved in developing cooling systems and airflow strategies that deliver maximum efficiency.

Crucial to the project is the need to maintain performance and reliability, factors that are critical in commercial vehicles, while also ensuring any solution can be produced cost-effectively.

The consortium also comprises the highly respected engineering consultancy Ricardo, European Thermodynamics Ltd (ETL), and the insurance industry’s automotive research centre, Thatcham Research.

Scheduled to run for two years, the project will see prototype vehicles built at TMUK’s Burnaston site in 2023 with small series production a consideration. As such, the project represents an exciting opportunity to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector in what is traditionally a hard-to-electrify segment.

Darren Davies, D2H Advanced Technologies’ Chief Executive, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been selected to work on this pioneering project with Toyota, and to have the opportunity to work with the other consortium partners who all represent the finest talent available within the UK’s automotive industry.”

Adam Evans, D2H’s Senior Engineer on the project, said: “The UK’s fast-approaching 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel-powered vehicles includes pickups, and that has implications for the off-highway, construction, and utilities sectors that depend on these reliable workhorses.

“Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology, as proven in the Mirai, provides one possible solution to the challenge of keeping these industries on the move in environments where battery-electric powertrains often prove impractical. Our experience of developing technical and engineering solutions to complex problems that are both efficient and commercially cost-effective will be put to good use.”