Toyota Weighs Hydrogen-Fueled Land Cruiser

Fuel Setup or Hydrogen Engine: Unknown

Toyota administrators have made known a keenness to produce a hydrogen-fueled Land Cruiser 300 SUV. They have displayed great enthusiasm for this venture, and it could become a reality before the end of this year.

At a recent Toyota event, Mitsumasa Yamagata, President of the hydrogen factory, spoke to the press about the potential of using alternative fuel in a vehicle such as the Land Cruiser. “There are possibilities to adapt [hydrogen engines] into those big vehicles, including Land Cruiser,” he declared, according to a report from Australia’s Drive. Yamagata noted that this type of fuel would be especially suitable for towing and hauling.

“The potential of this technology can be applied to vehicles such as [those used for] towing and loading,” said a Toyota executive. It remains to be seen if the hydrogen-powered Land Cruiser will be equipped with a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine or a fuel-cell system, similar to those found in the Mirai.

Keita Moritsu, the main engineer of the Land Cruiser, mentioned that incorporating a fuel cell system could offer an incredible driving array for farther routes; nonetheless, certain negatives remain.

Following the introduction of the Toyota Hi-Ace prototype, powered by hydrogen combustion, Yamagata has remarked on its launch. Notably, the vehicle functions using the same turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 as those seen in the Land Cruiser 300, albeit reimagined for its purpose.

Whereas the ordinary gasoline engine creates 409 horses and 479 lb-ft of twisting force, the Hi-Ace prototype delivers significantly less output: 161 hp and 261 lb-ft. This might not be sufficient enough to power the Land Cruiser 300, but it does prove that the turbocharged V6 can be adapted. Still, should Toyota make this motor accessible in a hydrogen form, we envision higher performance measurements.

It’s a really intriguing system. It functions like an ordinary motor, yet it operates using compressed hydrogen gas. This engine features a distinctive direct-inject set-up and fulfills the Euro 6 exhaust gas rules.

Despite its convenience, it cannot be called economical. In consonance with the reports in the Australian press, testing of the Hi-Ace model revealed that a 37.2-gallon tank would last for less than 124 miles. Toyota plans to modify the design and install a hybrid system soon to enhance the range.

“There are still many kinks that need to be ironed out before we see a hydrogen-powered Land Cruiser 300,” said Toyota Australia’s CEO, Matthew Callachor. He went on to explain that while the technology is possible, “It obviously requires significant engineering as well.”

Let us not forget that Toyota has dedicated some time to exploring hydrogen combustion engines – so much so, in fact, that they have showcased this advancement in motorsport within a suitably modified GR Corolla.

Toyota and Yamaha have been working to make a 5.0-liter V8 motor powered by hydrogen, producing close to 450 horsepower and 398 lb-ft torque – Both devised with the potential of featuring it in the Land Cruiser at some point in the future, with additional research and progress.