Toyota has now confirmed a hydrogen fuel cell Hilux FCEV for 2028, expanding its pickup line‑up beyond the new battery‑electric and 48V mild‑hybrid diesel versions already detailed for Europe.
Powertrain and range
The hydrogen Hilux will use a fuel cell system related to the Toyota Mirai, turning compressed hydrogen into electricity and emitting only water from the tailpipe. Toyota is targeting more than 400 km WLTP driving range on a full tank. Refuelling is planned to take around five minutes, far quicker than the roughly 30 minutes needed to charge the Hilux EV from 10–80% on DC.
Towing and configuration
Targeted towing capacity is up to 2,500 kg, compared with about 2,000 kg for the electric Hilux. Earlier prototypes from 2022 and a fleet of 10 test vehicles built in 2024 used three hydrogen tanks in the ladder‑frame chassis and a lithium‑ion battery under the cargo bed, but Toyota has not yet confirmed the final drivetrain layout. All‑wheel drive availability also remains unannounced.
Market position and Nepal angle
Toyota expects the Hilux FCEV to be one of the first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell mid‑size pickups in Europe from 2028. There is no Nepal pricing, variant or launch timeline confirmed yet, and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure here is still absent, so this is a model Nepali buyers will watch from afar for now. Our desk’s judgement: this Hilux FCEV is an important future technology benchmark, but not a near‑term option for Nepal buyers until fuel and support arrive.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
