Toyota Motor Corporation announced it plans to begin trials of its newly-developed hydrogen-electric hybrid vehicle on public roads in Australia, as part of its multi-faceted approach to developing eco-friendly vehicles. The Japanese automaker has been testing hydrogen-powered vehicles in Australia since last year and confirmed it will begin trials of a hydrogen-electric hybrid version of its Hiace van in early 2025. 

Toyota said this could be the world’s first vehicle to be powered by both a hydrogen engine and an electric motor. The company claims the hybrid system extends the range of the vehicle by 20% to 250km compared with when it runs on hydrogen alone, while emitting close to zero CO2.

The hybrid system also aims to alleviate some of the range concerns associated with pure hydrogen vehicles and the shortage of hydrogen refuelling stations in many countries.

Toyota Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima said in a statement: “It's true that our customers have been struggling with not having a hydrogen station close by, as well as with the high cost of fuel. We will persevere to make a hydrogen-based society a reality.”