Hydrogen Toyota Hilux: Thai Production From 2027, Europe First
Toyota will build a hydrogen fuel cell version of the Hilux pickup in Thailand. The country's Board of Investment has approved Toyota's investment of 1.49 billion baht (2026, about €39 million, according to electrive) in a new production line at the Ban Pho plant in Chachoengsao Province. Production starts in December 2027, and the launch follows in 2028.
Key takeaways
- Hilux FCEV: hydrogen fuel cell drive, range of more than 400 km, towing capacity up to 2.5 tonnes.
- Production: 3,000 a year from December 2027, export only at first.
- Priority markets: Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
- The plant gets its own hydrogen filling station for production and testing.
The fourth Hilux powertrain
The ninth-generation Hilux is already built at Ban Pho with diesel, mild hybrid and battery-electric drive; the fuel cell version will be the fourth option. According to the Board of Investment, it will be the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle made in Thailand. Visually it will differ only slightly from other versions. Toyota showed teaser images at IAA Transportation 2026, in a blue similar to the paint of the Mirai, Toyota's hydrogen saloon.
A fuel cell car is an electric car that makes its own electricity on board from hydrogen and oxygen; the only emission at the tailpipe is water. Refuelling takes a few minutes, which suits pickups that tow heavy loads or work far from charging points. The weak point in Europe is the small number of hydrogen stations: several countries have closed public stations in recent years, so the Hilux FCEV is likely to go mainly to fleets with their own supply at first.
Tested in the Dakar Rally
Toyota Gazoo Racing plans to run a fuel cell Hilux, the DKR GR FC Hilux, in the Dakar Rally's Future Mission 1000 category in 2027. The rally car has two fuel cell stacks with a combined 400 kW and four high-pressure tanks holding 8.4 kg of hydrogen.
What it means for buyers
For most private buyers in Europe the diesel and mild hybrid Hilux remain the practical choice for now, and the battery-electric Hilux suits short daily distances. The hydrogen version is aimed at companies, farms and public services that need long range and full towing capacity without diesel. Prices have not been announced.
All generations and engines: Toyota Hilux in the catalogue and all Toyota models.
Sources
- electrive: Thailand approves investment for Toyota Hilux FCEV production (27 Oct 2026) (accessed 29 Oct 2026)
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