- Toyota’s concept delivers 547hp from two electric motors
- It uses the Mirai’s fuel cell stack and three hydrogen tanks
- Unique water filtering process collects H2O from the tailpipes
Toyota produced a unique prototype to wow the crowds at this year’s SEMA custom car show in Las Vegas, but its over-landing, hydrogen-powered pick-up actually makes a lot of sense.
Badged the Tacoma H2-Overlander, the mammoth pick-up truck borrows the second-generation fuel cell stack from a Toyota Mirai and houses three hydrogen tanks within its frame rails.
With 6kg of hydrogen carrying capacity, the fuel cell stack is able to deliver power to a 24.9kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors for a total system output of 547hp and near instantaneous torque that can help pull this all-wheel-drive monster out of any sticky situation.
Bedecked in all manner of over-landing gear, such as powerful roof-mounted LED lighting, a powered winch, recovery board storage and a roof tent, the vehicle showcases what Toyota’s Racing Development (TRD) team is capable of when its attentions aren’t turned towards the racetrack.
What’s more, the Tacoma H2-Overlander also features powerful 15kW power "takeoff" capabilities, which is akin to a beefed-up version of the Vehicle-to-X technology that is found on some modern EVs, allowing them to power camping gadgets and whatnot.
Only here, the fuel cell Tacoma is capable of running something as power-intensive as a home off-grid or even charging two EVs simultaneously via dual NEMA 14-50 outlets.
The hydrogen fuel cell system would simply act as a generator and, with plentiful stores of H, could charge multiple stranded EVs on the trails.
A portable power shower
While the Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series shocks, custom 35-inch wheel and tires, front limited-slip differential and rear electronic locking differential are impressive, Toyota has also has a patent pending for its exhaust water recovery system.
Considering that water is the only emission from a hydrogen-powered machine like this, the Japanese marque decided to collect and recycle something that could prove a scarcity when tackling the wilderness.
Toyota's TRD team says that the water is distilled and, while not really recommended for drinking, it contains no minerals, making it perfect for washing or showering when off the beaten track.
Sadly, Toyota doesn’t plan to put this vehicle in to production and says transforming a gasoline-powered Tacoma into a hydrogen fuel cell 4WD concept was "anything but simple".
But the company wants to prove that hydrogen fuel cell technology can "deliver both adventure and performance", while potentially allowing pick-up owners in the future to explore further without the harmful local emissions and poor personal hygiene.
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