Toyota has unveiled a prototype Hiace powered by a hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine, which will undergo a customer pilot programme starting in Australia. This is another initiative in the Japanese carmaker’s multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation that has also seen the company invest in carbon-neutral fuels as well as hybrid electric (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEVs), battery electric (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The idea of combusting hydrogen isn’t new to Toyota, as it has demonstrated the technology in a Corolla Sport initially before going racing with a specially-prepared GR Corolla. There was also the Corolla Cross Hydrogen Concept that uses the hot hatch’s powertrain, which made an appearance at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).
For the Hiace prototype, the company used a modified version of the 3.5 litre turbocharged V6 found in the Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX. According to Toyota, the hydrogen-fuelled mill serves up 163 PS and 354 Nm of torque, which is significantly less than the petrol version that is rated at 415 PS and 650 Nm. The modified V6 sends drive to the rear wheels via a ten-speed automatic transmission and runs on compressed hydrogen gas, which is routed through a unique direct-injection system. Toyota admits that while the hydrogen powertrain results in almost zero CO2 tailpipe emissions, the process of igniting hydrogen in the engine does generate small amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which have been reduced by using a selective catalytic reduction system to meet Euro 6 emission standards.
It adds that the prototype Hiace uses
three hydrogen tanks that are similar to those found in the second-generation
Mirai, and it will continue working to optimise the powertrain by enhancing the
hydrogen storage, improving combustion as well as exploring the possibility of
adding hybrid technology. As for why Toyota went with the Hiace as the vehicle
to pilot the new technology, it explained that from a packaging perspective,
the commercial van offers the opportunity to install the engine up front and
the hydrogen fuel tanks under the floor. This ensures minimal impact on the
van’s internal space and payload.
The pilot programme is aimed at
accelerating the development of the new powertrain and will see a variety of
potential customers using the vehicle for either commuter or delivery-type
operations. The first will be CPB Contractors, which will use the Commuter
version of the HiAce to transport workers from various points across a major
infrastructure project in Melbourne.
