SEMA unveils the Toyota Tacoma H2 Overlander hydrogen fuel-cell concept. The Mirai sedan-based FCEV system sends 547 horsepower through a front limited-slip differential and a rear electronic locking differential. A truck exhaust water recovery device collects and filters engine water for camping showers and washing. Toyota is one of the few companies developing hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains. Toyota is creating a 20% more efficient FCEV system for the next-generation Corolla, which will provide pure-combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrain options. The full-size Mirai sedan is still available in California. Toyota’s Tacoma H2-Overlander concept —an eco-friendly off-road truck at SEMA in Las Vegas —revives interest in hydrogen power. H2-Overlander was created and built by Toyota Racing Development, which develops V-8 NASCAR engines. The Tacoma’s TNGA-F base and Mirai’s powerplant are combined. The truck’s frame rails hold three 6-kilogram hydrogen tanks directly attached to the second-generation fuel-cell stack. The vehicle has a 24.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with 301-hp front and 252-hp rear motors. The rear electronic locking differential and front limited-slip differential share 547 horsepower. A novel hydrogen and electric cooling system uses Tacoma TRD Pro and Lexus RZ components. Toyota added a TRD billet long-travel kit with Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series shocks from the Tundra suspension development program to the H2-Overlander’s chassis and suspension. The Tundra’s 17-inch Method Race wheels have 35-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires, and the front brakes are gone. According to Toyota, the patent-pending H2-Overlander exhaust water collection system is advanced. It exploits the fact that hydrogen fuel cell systems only produce water. The device filters water from the hydrogen-oxygen reaction for camping showers and cleaning. Toyota advises against drinking the water. The Tacoma concept’s 15-kilowatt power source can charge two EVs via dual NEMA 14-50 outlets or power a campsite, according to Toyota. Toyota rebuilt the Tacoma’s gas engine and added a bed-mounted storage system with recycled carbon-fiber panels that lift to show camping essentials like a refrigerator and grill. A tent and recovery boards are above the bed. Front winch and sturdy bumpers with tow hooks are also on the H2-Overlander. Seven roof-mounted circular lights and a front bumper light bar are auxiliary lights. The H2-Overlander concept shows Toyota’s commitment to hydrogen engine technology and its feasibility, but a hydrogen fuel cell in the existing Tacoma is improbable. Toyota’s FCEV comments have mostly centered on semi trucks and the Corolla sedan, but an off-road truck may be in the works.
