Toyota reveals its best hydrogen system yet

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Could the HiLux be powered by hydrogen?

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could fill the gap.

The entirely new third-generation hydrogen fuel cell system has been designed with the commercial sector in mind, but will also be transferable to passenger cars and “general purpose applications”, such as generators, excavators, trains and ships, according to the brand.

Fuel efficiency on the new system has increased by 120%, or 20%, meaning the cruising range on a next-generation passenger car fitted with a hydrogen fuel cell could reach 780km, up 130km from the Mirai's 650km range.

The Mirai currently holds the Guinness World Record for the longest journey in a hydrogen car after a five-minute refuel, covering 1360km.

equivalent could offer.

Toyota's said there'll be a big drop in cost with the new system, thanks to some innovative new approaches to designing and making the cells.

It's unclear exactly what that means in terms of cost for future hydrogen vehicles given the Mirai is only available in Australia under special leasing deals.

In Australia, however, it is sold through dealers with a starting price of $72,000, increasing up to as much as $95,000.

Cars in Australia tend to be cheaper than those sold in the US, so we would anticipate a more affordable price for a next-generation model if it were sold here.

The technology is set for a global rollout, initially targeting Japan, Europe, North America and China "after 2026".

Toyota is one of the major investors in hydrogen fuel cell tech in the car industry, along with Hyundai and BMW, which it says will be a key part of its "multi-pathway" plan to reach carbon neutrality.

Critics reckon it's a much pricier and energy-guzzling technology than electric vehicles, which can run on electricity readily available from the grid. Hydrogen cars, on the other hand, need hydrogen fuel to be produced, and for it to be zero-emissions, that hydrogen has to be made from renewable sources.