Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI) has approved Toyota’s investment of 1.49 billion baht in its Ban Pho factory in Chachoengsao province to support production of the hydrogen fuel-cell electric Toyota Hilux. The project is set to introduce Thailand’s first domestically manufactured hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle.
Toyota plans to establish a dedicated production line at the Ban Pho facility, which already builds internal combustion engine, mild-hybrid and battery-electric versions of the ninth-generation Hilux. Production of the fuel-cell variant is scheduled to begin in December 2027.
The company will also install a hydrogen refuelling station at the site to support vehicle production and testing.
Export-Focused Production Strategy
Toyota intends to produce the Hilux FCEV initially for export rather than the Thai domestic market. According to the BoI, priority destinations will include European countries, Australia and New Zealand.
Planned annual production is approximately 3,000 units, indicating a limited-volume launch compared with conventional Hilux variants.
Thailand has already become the first market worldwide to receive the battery-electric Hilux. The addition of a fuel-cell version further expands the range of powertrains available for Toyota’s pickup truck, although the two electric variants use different energy-storage and refuelling systems.
Hydrogen Hilux Features Distinctive Styling
Toyota showed teaser images of the Hilux FCEV at IAA Transportation 2026, revealing several design details that distinguish it from other ninth-generation Hilux models.
The images showed a revised daytime running light signature, with three separate segments along the upper edge of each headlamp. Another image suggested a closed upper grille area similar to that of the battery-electric Hilux.
The vehicle shown in the teasers also appeared in a blue finish resembling Force Blue, a colour offered on Toyota’s Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell sedan.
Toyota has not yet disclosed the complete production specification of the Hilux FCEV.
Range and Towing Capacity Targets
Toyota is targeting a driving range of more than 400 kilometres and a towing capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes for the hydrogen-powered pickup.
The company plans to launch the production model in 2028, following the start of manufacturing in Thailand in late 2027.
Fuel-cell technology converts hydrogen into electricity to power an electric motor, with water as the primary exhaust product. The system offers refuelling times comparable to conventional liquid-fuel vehicles, provided suitable hydrogen infrastructure is available.
However, the availability and cost of hydrogen refuelling remain important factors for the commercial deployment of fuel-cell vehicles.
Dakar Rally to Support Fuel-Cell Development
Before the production Hilux FCEV reaches the market, Toyota’s motorsport division, Gazoo Racing, is expected to test related technology through its DKR GR FC Hilux in the Future Mission 1000 category at the 2027 Dakar Rally.
The rally vehicle features two fuel-cell stacks with a combined output of 400 kW and four high-pressure hydrogen tanks holding a total of 8.4 kilograms of hydrogen.
Data gathered under demanding rally conditions could help Toyota assess fuel-cell performance and durability and refine the technology for future applications.
The production Hilux FCEV represents a further step in Toyota’s multi-powertrain strategy. Its initial role will be limited by planned production volumes and the availability of hydrogen infrastructure, while the Dakar programme offers a separate testing environment for the underlying technology.