MANILA: Toyota will begin the on-road feasibility testing of a prototype Hiace with hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) in Australia later this month.

Australian companies will participate in the program to test the potential of this hydrogen-powered van as a commercial vehicle.

The new powertrain technology incorporated in the prototype Hiace promises to deliver ultra-low carbon dioxide (CO2) tailpipe emissions as part of the Japanese carmaker's multi-pathway approach to decarbonization.

“This technology offers the potential for Toyota to produce vehicles that meet the practical requirements of commercial customers while dramatically reducing CO2 tailpipe emissions,” Toyota Australia President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Callachor stated.

Toyota began the development of the hydrogen-fueled ICE in Japan in 2017. The engine was first used in 2021 in a Corolla Sport that raced in four rounds of the Super Taikyu series.

Equipped on the prototype hydrogen-powered Hiace is a V6 turbo petrol engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It was modified to run on compressed hydrogen gas and delivers up to 120 kilowatts of power and 350 Newton-meters of torque.

The prototype comes with three hydrogen tanks that are similar to those on the second-generation Mirai.

Toyota Australia has been actively organizing programs that contribute to the development of the country's hydrogen economy and promote a sustainable future.

“Australia is the perfect place to run such a program with our Federal and State Governments having already committed $6.3 billion in funding for hydrogen projects under the National Hydrogen Strategy. We also have an extensive variety of environments and climatic conditions that will enable us to evaluate the hydrogen powertrain technology to its fullest and ensure it delivers on Toyota’s high standards,” Callachor said.

Photos from Toyota

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