Toyota Australia has revealed a prototype Toyota HiAce featuring a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (HICEV), marking yet another step in the company's global multi-pathway decarbonisation strategy. The hydrogen HiAce will undergo a customer pilot program in the country commencing this month.

Toyota's approach to decarbonization encompasses various pathways, including investments in carbon-neutral fuels, hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, battery-electric, and fuel-cell electric vehicles.

The prototype, designed for fit-for-purpose commercial use with ultra-low CO2 tailpipe emissions, will be evaluated by Australian companies within real-world conditions. CPB Contractors, a prominent infrastructure designer and builder, will be the first participant in the pilot program, utilising the Commuter version of the HiAce for worker transportation in a major Melbourne infrastructure project.

Toyota is actively engaging with other interested companies for potential participation. Feedback from this program will aid Toyota in further developing the technology with the goal of eventual commercialisation.

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The Hiace in question runs a V6 turbo engine with 163 PS and 354 Nm converted to run on compressed hydrogen gas, driving the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Hiace was chosen due to several unique factors; it allows for the engine to be fitted up front while the hydrogen tanks (derived from the Mirai) sit under the floor, which doesn't eat into internal space and payload.

It's also one of the most commonly-used goods and people transport vehicle, whether its the Hiace Van or the 12-seater Hiace Commuter.

The hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine technology was initially developed in Japan in 2017 and tested in the 2021 Corolla Sport. Toyota refined the technology based on motorsport experience before adapting it for the HiAce.

Matthew Callachor, Toyota Australia President and CEO, expressed pride in the selection of Australia for this pilot program, emphasising the potential for the technology to meet commercial customers' practical needs while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

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“Toyota Australia is firmly committed to playing a leading role in the development of Australia’s hydrogen economy. Running the pilot program for this new hydrogen powertrain technology builds upon our substantial development and investment in the hydrogen space," said Callachor.

On a greater scale, Australia's Federal and State governments have committed AUD 6.3 billion (~RM 19 billion) for hydrogen projects under the National Hydrogen Strategy.

This initiative builds upon Toyota Australia's previous efforts in hydrogen technology, including a Mirai FCEV trial in 2018, the establishment of Victoria's first hydrogen production and refueling facility in 2021, and the provision of second-generation Mirai sedans on long-term lease to various organizations.

Toyota's commitment extends beyond transport applications, involving the assembly and distribution of fuel-cell generators for energy supplier EODev. Additionally, a recent Memorandum of Understanding with Hyundai Australia, Ampol, and Pacific Energy outlines plans for developing hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Also read: Meet the zero emissions Toyota Hilux hydrogen FCEV prototype; uses Mirai powertrain, up to 600 km on a single tank