- The Toyota concept generates 547 hp with two electric motors
- It uses the Mirai’s fuel cell and three hydrogen tanks.
- The unique water filtration process collects H2O from the exhaust pipes.
Toyota produced a one-off prototype to wow crowds at this year’s SEMA custom car show in Las Vegas, but its hydrogen-powered, Landing truck actually makes a lot of sense.
Called the Tacoma H2-Overlander, the gigantic truck borrows the second-generation fuel cell from a Toyota Mirai and houses three hydrogen tanks within the rails of its structure.
With a hydrogen charging capacity of 6 kg, the fuel cell is capable of supplying power to a 24.9 kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors for a total system output of 547 hp and near-instant torque that can help get this all-wheel-drive monster out of any sticky situation.
Equipped with all sorts of landing gear, such as powerful roof-mounted LED lights, an electric winch, recovery board storage, and a roof tent, the vehicle shows what Toyota’s Racing Development (TRD) team is capable of when its attention is not directed at the race track.
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What’s more, the Tacoma H2-Overlander also features powerful 15kW power “take-off” capabilities, which is similar to a beefed-up version of the Vehicle-to-X technology found in some modern electric vehicles, allowing them to power camping gadgets and whatnot.
Here alone, the fuel cell Tacoma is capable of running something that consumes as much energy as an off-grid home or even charging two electric vehicles simultaneously through two NEMA 14-50 outlets.
The hydrogen fuel cell system would simply act as a generator and, with abundant reserves of H2, could charge several electric vehicles stranded on the trails.
A portable hydromassage shower
While the Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series shocks, custom 35-inch wheels and tires, front limited-slip differential, and rear electronic locking differential are impressive, Toyota also has a patent pending for its exhaust water recovery system.
Taking into account that water is the only emission from a hydrogen-powered machine like this, the Japanese brand decided to collect and recycle something that could be scarce when facing nature.
Toyota’s TRD team says the water is distilled, and while it’s not recommended for drinking, it’s mineral-free, making it perfect for washing or showering when you’re off the beaten path.
Unfortunately, Toyota has no plans to put this vehicle into production, saying that transforming a gasoline-powered Tacoma into a hydrogen fuel cell 4WD concept was “anything but simple.”
But the company wants to demonstrate that hydrogen fuel cell technology can “deliver both adventure and performance”, while potentially allowing future van owners to explore further without harmful local emissions and poor personal hygiene.
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