Toyota has unveiled a prototype HiAce powered by a hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine that will undergo a customer pilot program starting in Australia later this month.

The new powertrain technology, offering ultra-low CO2 tailpipe emissions, is the latest step in Toyota’s global multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation that also includes significant investments in carbon-neutral fuels as well as hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles.

The prototype Hydrogen HiAce will be driven in real-world conditions by Australian companies interested in the potential for fit-for-purpose commercial vehicles with ultra-low CO2 tailpipe emissions.

Through this customer drive program, they will have the opportunity to evaluate the technology and provide feedback to Toyota to support further development, with the aim of bringing vehicles powered by hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines to full commercialisation.