Toyota hydrogen technology on land and sea at UK showcase
Toyota demonstrated the versatility of its fuel cell technology at a hydrogen showcase hosted today (30 April). The Energy Observer, the world’s first self-sufficient hydrogen-fuelled boat, and a fuel cell prototype Hilux pick-up were featured in the event hosted by the Port of Tilbury, Toyota and GeoPura at the London International Cruise Terminal.
The occasion brought together industry representatives, technology providers and policy makers who were given insights into the potential for hydrogen and the breadth of practical applications, including the use of Toyota fuel cell technology for diverse mobility solutions.
Attendees were able to view Energy Observer and talk to its crew about the challenges of hydrogen production at sea. Since its launch in 2017, the 30-metre catamaran has been sailing around the world as a floating laboratory and technology ambassador for deploying, testing and refining cutting-edge energy technologies at sea. It is powered solely by a mix of renewable energy sources and is equipped with the Toyota Fuel Cell System.
The prototype hydrogen Hilux was developed by a Toyota-led consortium in the UK, exploring the feasibility of using fuel cell technology for a pick-up with authentic off-road capabilities. Toyota has confirmed a fuel cell Hilux will enter production in the near future, reinforcing its multipath philosophy of providing a range of powertrain technology options to reduce emissions and achieve ultimate carbon neutrality.
Luigi Ksawery Luca’, Toyota (GB) President and Managing Director, said: “Our participation in today’s events with Energy Observer mooring at the Port of Tilbury and the presentation of our prototype fuel cell Hilux is a perfect illustration of how we are developing hydrogen technologies on our key pillars of fuel cell vehicles, working with business and the creation of hydrogen ecosystems. We believe hydrogen can be a major contributor to a future carbon-neutral society and we continue to forge relationships with partner businesses, focusing on diverse forms of transport and power generation.”
Today’s showcase also featured hydrogen production, storage and dispensing technologies in action and explored how these can be adopted across projects, including those already under way at the Port of Tilbury and the Lower Thames Crossing. The event was delivered in collaboration with partners including the Lower Thames Crossing, Briggs Equipment UK, ULEMCO, TCP, Fuel Cell Systems, Intelligent Energy, JCB and HYKIT.
ENDS
Note to editors: further information about Energy Explorer and its global missions is available at https://www.energy-observer.org/.
