A prototype hydrogen Toyota Hilux – developed and built in the UK – took centre stage at the Port of Tilbury this week, demonstrating Toyota’s vision for a zero-emission future that doesn’t rely solely on batteries.

The hydrogen Hilux was showcased at the Port of Tilbury alongside the Energy Observer renewable-energy powered boat

Showcased at the London International Cruise Terminal alongside the Energy Observer – the world’s first self-sufficient hydrogen-fuelled boat – the fuel cell prototype Hilux pickup showed how Toyota is doubling down on its ‘multi-path’ strategy as the race for zero-emission commercial vehicles intensifies.

Held yesterday (30 April 2026), the occasion brought together industry representatives, technology providers and policymakers who were given insights into the potential for hydrogen and the breadth of practical applications, including the use of Toyota fuel cell technology for diverse mobility solutions.

Attendees were able to view Energy Observer and talk to its crew about the challenges of hydrogen production at sea. Since its launch in 2017, the 30m catamaran has been sailing around the world as a floating laboratory and technology ambassador for deploying, testing and refining cutting-edge energy technologies at sea. It is powered solely by a mix of renewable energy sources and is equipped with the Toyota Fuel Cell System.

Visitors were also able to see the hydrogen Hilux first hand. The prototype pickup was developed by a Toyota-led consortium in the UK, exploring the feasibility of using fuel cell technology for a pickup with authentic off-road capabilities.

Toyota has confirmed a fuel cell Hilux will enter production “in the near future”, joining the fully electric and 48V mild hybrid diesel versions already on sale and reinforcing its multipath philosophy of providing a range of powertrain technology options to reduce emissions and achieve ultimate carbon neutrality.

The event showcase also featured hydrogen production, storage and dispensing technologies in action and explored how these can be adopted across projects, including those already under way at the Port of Tilbury and the Lower Thames Crossing.

Luigi Ksawery Luca’, Toyota GB’s president and managing director, stated that the Energy Observer’s presence at the Port of Tilbury, alongside the debut of the prototype fuel cell Hilux, perfectly demonstrates Toyota’s strategy for hydrogen innovation. He emphasised that these milestones highlight the company’s core focus on fuel cell vehicles, corporate partnerships and the growth of sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.

He added: “We believe hydrogen can be a major contributor to a future carbon-neutral society and we continue to forge relationships with partner businesses, focusing on diverse forms of transport and power generation.”

The event was delivered in collaboration with partners including the Lower Thames Crossing, Briggs Equipment UK, Ulemco, TCP, Fuel Cell Systems, Intelligent Energy, JCB and Hykit.