Toyota has won 拢11.3 million of support to develop a pick-up truck powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
The backing will support up to 250 jobs at the Derbyshire-based car giant and could one day pave the way for Toyota鈥檚 Deeside factory, in north Wales, switching from building internal combustion engines to hydrogen fuel cell production.
Hydrogen fuel cells which can power anything from trucks and cars to radio transmitters and phones. Power is generated through chemical reaction and the only by-product is water.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy says it has potential as a renewable fuel in isolated settings such as farms and quarries where pick-ups might be used, and where electric vehicle charging might be less practical.
Toyota has received 拢5.6 million of the funding from government with a further 拢5.7 million from industry to develop and pilot production of green Hilux truck.
The support was among more than 拢70 million in joint government and automobile industry funding for five clean transport tech projects across the 海角视频. The money comes through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) Collaborative Research and Development programme, which supports low and zero-carbon automotive tech.
Toyota Manufacturing 海角视频 managing director Richard Kenworthy said: 鈥淭his exciting project allows Toyota the opportunity to develop a unique fuel cell commercial vehicle on the iconic Hilux platform, in the 海角视频.
鈥淭his will significantly contribute to the skill base not only within Toyota in the 海角视频 but also through the consortium partners and wider supply chain.
鈥淭he collaboration with highly skilled technical engineering companies of all sizes allows the development of new and innovative solutions.
鈥淲e would like to thank the APC for their support in realising this bid as well as the 海角视频 Government in recognising a key opportunity to decarbonise a critical vehicle segment required by industry.鈥
Business Secretary Grant Shapps said: 鈥淥ur automotive industry is a world-leader, creating jobs whether in Essex, Somerset or Glasgow.
鈥淪eizing the potential from new technologies will be a key part of its future success, while also making our roads cleaner, greener and more affordable.鈥
APC chief executive Ian Constance said: 鈥淪upporting vital research and development in the 海角视频, now more than ever, provides an opportunity to invest in transport decarbonisation as well as boost growth in the automotive sector.
The other 海角视频 schemes being supported include work on a new way of building magnet electric motors in Somerset; a hydrogen fuel cell-powered HGV cab and tractor unit in Glasgow; a project to find lower carbon and cheaper sources of recycled aluminium alloys for the car industry in Slough; and work on a methane powered, off-road tractor in Basildon, Essex.
