This is the most powerful factory Toyota Tacoma to-date, thanks to a hydrogen fuel-cell system.
One of the biggest changes in this current-generation Toyota Tacoma is its new turbo-four-based powertrain. Mate that up to a hybrid system, as you get in higher-end models like the Trailhunter and TRD Pro, and you’re looking at a midsize truck with 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque on tap. That’s a much heartier shove than the old V6, but this latest H2-Overlander concept packs a hydrogen powertrain with even more power.
In fact, this Toyota Tacoma H2-Overlander concept takes the Mirai sedan’s powertrain, while still sitting on the same TNGA-F platform as the standard truck. Thanks to a 301-horsepower front motor and 252-horsepower rear motor, this Taco puts out a solid 547 horsepower, while also rocking a limited-slip differential up front and an electronic lockable differential at the back. Sitting between the truck’s frame rails is a trio of hydrogen tanks that add up to total 6 kilograms of usable capacity (a bit more than the Mirai).
Fundamentally still being an electric truck, the Tacoma H2-Overlander uses a 24.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which powers the motors while the fuel cell generates further electricity to improve the range beyond just being a full battery-electric setup. Toyota says the H2-ified Tacoma uses a custom TRD cooling system, which borrows parts from the TRD Pro and the Lexus RZ, of all things, to ensure thermal stability for the hydrogen and electric systems under load, like when you’re using that full 547 hp.
This Taco has some other party tricks, too
Toyota mentioned one other interesting quirk about the hydrogen powertrain arrangement. Not only is it potent, but the fuel cell “exhausts” a single byproduct from the process it uses to produce electricity: water. As a result, this truck has a patent-pending water recovery system, that actually captures and filters the H2O produced from the fuel cell stack for camping and outdoor use. Toyota doesn’t recommend drinking the water, but does say it is suitable for washing and showering.
Apart from the powertrain, the Toyota Tacoma H2-Overlander concept uses a long-travel suspension kit, comprising a set of Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series shocks adapted from the Tundra’s suspension development. The front brakes come from a Tundra as well, while the 35×12.5-R17 General Grabber off-road tires sit on a set of custom 17×8.5-inch Method Race wheels.
Speaking of camping use, the Tacoma concept also brings in a 15-kilowatt power supply, which can be used to actually power the campsite or, if you bring your zero-emission buddies along, charge two EVs through dual NEMA 14-50 power outlets. The H2-Overlander further gets a custom storage system in the bed, as well as a roof-mounted tent, spare tire carrier, heavy-duty bumpers with built-in tow hooks and a winch up front. LED lights also cover virtually every angle of the truck, so this is really meant to be the sort of Swiss Army knife folks could actually use going off the grid.
It’s not likely we’ll actually see a hydrogen-powered Tacoma anytime soon, that said.
The truck is a cool concept and shows Toyota isn’t giving up on keeping hydrogen technology in the zeitgeist. The automaker is also working on a fuel-cell arrangement for the next-gen Corolla, and continues to develop H2 setups for commerical trucks. Nevertheless, a lack of infrastructure limits the truck’s usefulness, so it may remain a pipe dream to buy a hydrogen-powered Tacoma for some years yet.
We’ll have more coverage of this truck and more besides at SEMA this week, so stay tuned for more posts and videos from Las Vegas.
