GRAFTER LIFE
How Vauxhall, JCB and Toyota are creating everyday heroes that’ll keep Britain running with their multi-fuel solution
The top bods at Toyota have been researching hydrogen fuel-cell technology for 30 YEARS
SMALL van. Pick-up truck. JCB digger.
Three everyday heroes that keep Britain running.
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Partly because they are brilliant at what they do.
But mostly because they are properly clean and eco-friendly.
The titchy Vauxhall Combo is electric.
The experimental Toyota Hilux and JCB digger are both powered by hydrogen.
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Sorted.
I’ll repeat once again: We need a multi-fuel solution if we’re serious about Net Zero.
- Electric vehicles for our towns and cities.
- Hydrogen for the heavy lifting — that’s trucks, trains, buses, boats, construction equipment and vans that do long distances
- E-fuels for the stuff we drive today. We can’t just scrap 37million cars all at once.
The top bods at Toyota have been researching hydrogen fuel-cell technology for 30 YEARS.
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They asked UK engineers to put the heart of a Mirai saloon into a Hilux to see if it works.
It does. And some.
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Simple, fun, nippy
The result is a pick-up that’s smooth and quiet like an EV combined with the range and payload of a diesel.
It refuels as quickly as a diesel — and emits only water.
Now you might notice the low belly on this prototype.
Toyota’s third-gen fuel-cell tech will be smaller, lighter and cheaper, allowing for the same ground clearance as a regular pick-up. A front e-motor will make it 4WD.
JCB is doing something slightly different by developing hydrogen combustion engines for its legendary digger — backhoe loader if you know your onions — and telescopic handler.
They can do everything the diesel-powered equivalents can do and will be seen working on building sites and farms soon.
KEY FACTS: VAUXHALL COMBO ELECTRIC
Price: £31,900 exc VAT
Battery: 52kWh
Power: 136hp
0-62mph: 11.7 secs
Top speed: 82mph
Range: 213 miles
CO2: 0g/km
Payload: 759kg
Special projects director Tim Burnhope said: “JCB and Toyota are very alike.
“We look for better ways of doing things and have gravitated towards hydrogen as a practical zero-carbon fuel of the future.”
Now we come to the Combo Electric.
Delivery drivers, plumbers, painters, plasterers, dog walkers, gardeners, everyone who earns a crust with their hands, should try this £32k city van because it’s a cracker.
Just select D for drive and go. Simple. Fun. Nippy. No fumes.
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PlayStation-style paddles adjust the regenerative braking levels, so if you’re good at anticipating traffic flow you’ll hardly ever touch the foot brake. We used 20 miles of range on a 50-mile trip.
There’s a digital rear-view mirror to see behind you and a bulkhead load hatch for long pipes. Payload is 759kg.
Just don’t bother with three seats up front unless the person in the middle has no knees.
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The Combo Electric is made at the old Astra factory at Ellesmere Port alongside sister vans for Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat.
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Electric versions of the medium-sized Vivaro will be produced at the Luton plant from next year.
Vauxhall, JCB and Toyota are cleaning up.
KEY FACTS: TOYOTA HILUX H2 PROTOTYPE
Engine: Hydrogen fuel cell
Power: 182hp, 300Nm
Range: 373 miles
CO2: 0g/km
Payload: 1,000kg
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