Toyota has brought a unique concept called the Tacoma H2-Overlander to the SEMA show. It is a zero-emission hydrogen pickup truck modified to be viable for off-road use. It pushes 547 PS (540 hp / 402 kW) to the wheels and produces water instead of emissions. The company admits it’s not drinkable, but claims you could wash dishes or even yourself with it if going on a long trip away from the civilized world.
The car uses the same hydrogen fuel cell array as the Mirai. Three 2kg (4.4lb) hydrogen tanks are built into its frame, delivering a combined 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds) of gas for the converter. Two electric motors drive the wheels. A 24.9-kWh battery pack can store up some power and be recharged for driving in regions with no hydrogen access. The system receives “special cooling” and purifies the water it produces before pouring it out.
Toyota Racing Development, which supervised the project, claims that the Tacoma is every bit as capable as an ICE truck thanks to having differential locks in its individual wheel drives, as well as assorted suspension upgrades. Fox shocks, superior components sourced from the Toyota Tundra and 17-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires should offset the added weight.
On the outside, the SEMA truck wears rugged bumpers, custom composite bodywork and some additional lighting. It also has a bed organizer and is outfitted for long trips. Toyota says you can use it to power many external appliances at once – a whole tent camp, for example, or charge two other EVs simultaneously.
