Companies are racing to improve hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in what can be called the auto industry’s next revolution. This week, Toyota announced their hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle is built and being tested in the UK in their quest for zero-emissions.
The Hilux Project – Toyota’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle
Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell Project Hilux has finally entered the demonstration phase with 10 prototypes, using Toyota’s fuel cell electric technology. Despite still undergoing evaluation, five vehicles have been sent out for field testing, with the other five being used for demonstrations – including at the incoming 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic games.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are the next frontier in the auto industry’s push for clean fuels and fossil fuel replacements despite the undeveloped tech being around since 1966. With Toyota’s Beyond Zero Vision, the company is pushing to reach their vision of being beyond carbon neutrality with their products for a better world – something Toyota is proud of as the automaker that offers the most low and zero-emission vehicles than any other company currently in the market.
Toyota Mirai
Initially introduced at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Toyota Mirai officially debuted in 2022 with its 2023 model year, selling 21,475 units as the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. While the tech wasn’t there yet for mass production a decade ago, the moment is ripe for electric and hydrogen cell vehicles. The 2024 Toyota Mirai offers some impressive features including affordable prices for the new tech and a 402-mile range – far more than most if any Electric Vehicles currently on the global market.
While the 2024 Toyota Mirai sales aren’t currently high, this can largely be attributed to the lack of infrastructure in the United States and globally. Electric Vehicles are having their moment in the sun, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles need a lot more infrastructure to grow. This next step in auto fuel will likely become popular in the US after government-sponsored changes to EVs gain more traction and consumers can think of transitioning from gas to EVs and eventually to FHEVs. For now, much of the market lies in Asia and Europe. When will we see the Mirai popularized in the US? Only time will tell.
Help Save The World with Toyota
Join the eco-conscious revolution with any of Toyota’s great lineup of hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Electric Vehicle cars currently available. Hydrogen fuel cells may be cutting edge in the United States now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help save the world by going electric!
At Casa Toyota we offer a variety of great electrified models such as the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime, the 2025 Toyota Crown, and the 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Join the brand with the most eco-friendly fleet of quality vehicles currently available! Visit our dealership and test drive any of these models today and help the environment as we work towards a carbon-neutral future!
