To showcase hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel for off-road vehicles, Toyota transformed a gasoline-powered Tacoma TRD Pro into a hydrogen fuel cell-powered 4WD concept truck.
Displayed at this month’s SEMA show in Las Vegas, the Toyota Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept emits only water from its tailpipe. Additionally, the pickup can distill that water for use in washing or showering while camping or at remote job sites.
(For an inside look at the engineering and production of the Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept, check out Toyota’s video linked at the end of this article.)
The H2-Overlander operates using a Toyota Mirai fuel cell stack combined with a 24.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. It features three hydrogen tanks located within the truck’s frame, where the fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water vapor. This electricity recharges the battery, which, together with the fuel cells, powers a 225-kilowatt front motor and a 188-kilowatt eAxle, producing up to 547 horsepower and ensuring nearly silent operation.
According to Toyota, this setup provides “the rapid response, torque, and regenerative capabilities of a battery-electric vehicle, along with the quick refueling advantages of hydrogen.” The truck benefits from the instant torque typical of electric powertrains, distributed through a front limited-slip differential and a rear electronic locking differential for enhanced four-wheel-drive performance.
Engineering by Racing Team
The Tacoma H2-Overlander was developed by the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) teams based in California and North Carolina. Focused on overlanding and camping, the project was completed in just eight months for the 2022 SEMA Show. It involved “fitting an entirely new powertrain into a vehicle never designed to house it.” Craig Cauthen, manager of TRD’s Emerging Technologies Group, stated, “We aimed to blend TRD’s off-road heritage and desert racing with advanced powertrain technologies. This vehicle highlights TRD’s capabilities beyond the racetrack.”
Water Emission Recovery
The team also introduced a patent-pending TRD exhaust water recovery system that captures and filters the water produced by the truck’s power system. According to a Toyota news release, “The water is effectively distilled, free of minerals, making it suitable for washing and showering.” While not recommended for drinking, this feature enhances practicality in remote locations where water may be limited.
The truck additionally includes a 15-kilowatt power takeoff that can run a home off-grid or charge two electric vehicles at once. Other notable features of the concept pickup include:
- TRD-designed, roboformed tailgate developed in collaboration with Toyota Motor North America Stamping.
- Customized overlanding camper made with recycled carbon-fiber aero panels.
- Heavy-duty off-road bumpers in the front and rear, complete with integrated recovery points, a winch, and dual swingouts.
- Upgraded chassis and suspension systems.
- TRD billet long-travel kit featuring high-performance Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series shocks.
- Tundra front brake upgrade.
- Custom 17-by-8.5-inch wheels paired with 35×12.5R17 off-road tires.
- Integrated tiedowns and a recovery board storage system within the bed.
- Specialized DOT-compliant lighting such as front lightbars, fog lights, and campsite lighting.
Conclusion
“The Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept demonstrates that hydrogen fuel cell technology can merge adventure with performance, furthering Toyota’s goal for a carbon-neutral future,” the company asserts.
Behind the Scenes
For a deeper look at the engineering process behind the Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept, watch Toyota’s video below:
