• Toyota Australia partners with EODev to assemble EODEV GEH2 generators at Altona production facility starting in Q1, 2024
• Toyota to invest $3.27m to assemble up to 100 generators over the next three years
• EODev GEH2® power generators use the same hydrogen fuel cell system as the Toyota Mirai
• Toyota fuel cell system to provide zero emission (CO2, NOx, fine particles) power generation for a wide range of applications

Through this partnership, Toyota Australia will invest $3.27 million to assemble EODev’s GEH2® power generators at its former manufacturing facility at Altona in Melbourne from the first quarter of 2024.

Toyota will also become the Australian distributor for both locally assembled and fully built EODev GEH2® generators that will be sold in Australia through retail partner Blue Diamond Machinery – Australia’s leading national independent distributor of off-grid power solutions and the exclusive supplier of EODev’s GEH2 generator.

To further expand opportunities, Toyota Australia will also sell the power generators and Toyota New Zealand will be its first customer, with plans for them to import and distribute in the New Zealand market.

EODev’s GEH2 generator

The first model to be assembled will be the 110kVA GEH2® generator, which uses the same Toyota Fuel Cell system that powers the Toyota Mirai FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) and provides zero CO2, NOx or fine particle emission power generation suitable for a wide range of applications.

As the market develops, additional models with higher power supply will be considered for assembly and distribution in Australia.

Toyota Australia President and CEO Matthew Callachor said Toyota was committed to exploring and developing further applications for its fuel cell technology and helping to grow Australia’s hydrogen economy.

“Toyota fully supports the Australian federal and state governments’ drive in growing our hydrogen economy and is committed to exploring opportunities for our fuel cell technology well beyond its automotive use,” Mr Callachor said.

“This agreement signed today is not about a trial or pilot program, it is about concrete action that will improve Australian businesses’ access to stationary hydrogen fuel cell generators and help them reduce their carbon footprint.

“At the same time, our investment will help to build Australian skills and capabilities in hydrogen technologies in what is a rapidly growing industry that will help Australia meet its emission reduction targets,” Mr Callachor said.

Since the launch of the 2019 National Hydrogen Strategy, 22 hydrogen projects are in operation or under construction across the country with Australian governments having committed $6.3b towards hydrogen industry development through project, infrastructure, policy and R&D funding¹.

Toyota Australia and EODev – GEH2

EODev CEO Jérémie Lagarrigue said the agreement represented a milestone for the French company, being the first time its GEH2® power generator will be assembled outside of its production facility in France.

“The GEH2® generator has been in production since 2021 and is currently sold across several European markets, in North America, in the Middle East, and in Australia. We see a fast growing potential for its use in this part of the world” Mr Lagarrigue said.

“We are pleased to have the support of Toyota Australia in being able to assemble the generators locally, which will enable more customers to access this clean technology and help reduce noxious emissions from local power generation.

“Many companies are committed to reducing their CO2 emissions and as a zero-emission alternative to diesel generators, EODev’s GEH2® offers a perfect solution,” he said.

GEH2 Hydrogen Power generator applications

Potential applications for the GEH2® power generator include powering remote off-grid sites such as mining sites, construction sites, BEV charging sites, and to be used for events.

The GEH2® generator can also be used to provide emergency backup power for hospitals, commercial buildings and anywhere where stable power supply is required.

Blue Diamond Director Justin Pitts said the Company was delighted to grow its relationship with EODev and Toyota and to accelerate the rollout of GEH2 generators.

“Blue Diamond is dedicated to broadening the adoption of low-and-zero emission technologies like the GEH2 and ultimately supporting Australia’s journey to Net Zero 2050.

“It’s very exciting to see our partnership with EODev and Toyota progress to a stage where the GEH2s can now be manufactured locally and made available to local industry.

“The Company is delighted to contribute to Australia’s decarbonisation efforts and thanks EODev and Toyota for their investment in growing Australia’s nascent hydrogen sector,” Mr Pitts said.

Toyota demonstrated the potential for the EODev GEH2® hydrogen fuel cell generator last year when it was used to power the giant neon sign at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne during an AFL match, and again earlier this year at the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix where it powered six marquees in the tech hub over four days.

Toyota Hydrogen production

In early 2021, Toyota commissioned Victoria’s first commercial-grade permanent hydrogen production, storage and refuelling facility at Altona that can generate and store up to 80kg of hydrogen per day using a 200kW electrolyser.

Power for the electrolyser is drawn from a combination of an 87kW solar array, a 100kW battery storage and mains grid depending on what’s available at the time and is used to refuel fuel cell forklifts that Toyota uses in other parts of the Altona complex and hydrogen FCEVs, like the Mirai FCEV.

The Mirai is currently being leased by progressive organisations including energy retailer Red Energy, hydrogen fuel-cell bus and truck manufacturer Hyzon, Telstra, ACCIONA and Ventia as part of a long-term pilot program.

Earlier this year, Toyota demonstrated other applications for its fuel cell technology during a travelling Hydrogen Showcase that toured the major capital cities.

The showcase included innovative products such as a Toyota HiAce-based food truck concept that used fuel cells to power both the vehicle and electrical cooking appliances and a 33-seat H2 City Gold Bus, powered by Toyota fuel cell technology.

1 State of Hydrogen 2022

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• Toyota showcase includes eight new vehicles demonstrating wide range of powertrain technologies
• Battery-electric HiLux BEV concept demonstrates future potential of pick-up
• Six new production vehicles shown, to be launched in Australia over next 12 months

Toyota Australia has presented a range of exciting new production and concept vehicles showcasing Toyota’s diverse powertrain technologies, headlined by the HiLux Revo BEV Concept.

Alongside the HiLux Revo BEV Concept, the showcase saw Toyota present a number of new vehicles due to arrive in Australia over the next 12 months including all-new LandCruiser Prado, hybrid C-HR and fully-electric bZ4X, upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series, two new HiLux variants, and the RHD full-sized pick-up Tundra.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the showcase demonstrated Toyota’s commitment to providing a broad range of vehicles for customers while it continues on its path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

“The vehicles displayed at our showcase include a diverse range of electrified vehicle technologies, showing Toyota’s commitment to leaving no motorist behind,” Mr Hanley said.

“Whether it’s battery-electric vehicles, fuel-cell electric, or hybrid-electric, Toyota is dedicated to offering customers a wide range of powertrain options on the journey towards carbon reduction.”

HiLux Revo BEV Concept

For the first time on Australian soil, Toyota showed the HiLux Revo BEV Concept, hinting at the future of the HiLux in all-electric guise.

Originally unveiled in Thailand late last year, the HiLux Revo BEV Concept is an urban-focused two-wheel drive pick-up designed for short-range use, featuring a wealth of proprietary technologies under the skin.

The HiLux Revo BEV Concept is in Australia to take part in testing and evaluation on local soil to help further the development of alternative powertrain technologies in Australia’s favourite vehicle.

Toyota BZ4X

While the HiLux BEV remains a concept, customers will soon be able to purchase or lease Toyota’s first production BEV when the new bZ4X arrives in Australia in early 2024.

This will be the first of three production battery-electric vehicles due in Australia over the next three years further expanding Toyota’s electrified lineup.

All new C-HR

As Toyota continues to develop more battery-electric vehicles, it is committed to growing its hugely successful hybrid range and displayed for the time in Australia, the all-new hybrid-only second-generation C-HR.

The 1.8-litre hybrid front-wheel drive Koba and 2.0-litre hybrid all-wheel drive GR Sport were both on display showcasing the stylish new premium small SUV that is due on sale early in 2024.

Designed, engineered and built in Europe, the all-new C-HR makes significant strides in styling, technology and refinement, while doubling the content of recycled plastic used in the vehicle compared to the current-generation C-HR for a reduced environmental impact.

LandCruiser Prado Mild Hybrid

Further demonstration of Toyota’s growing electrification of its vehicles was evident in the display of a production HiLux and pre-production version of the all-new LandCruiser Prado, both fitted with 48-Volt Technology.

The 48-Volt Technology is combined with the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission and comprises an additional 48-Volt battery, small electric motor-generator and other components to help reduce fuel consumption.

Both vehicles are due to launch in Australia in 2024 and the pre-production Prado prototype is being used for extensive testing across the Australian landscape.

Toyota Tundra Hybrid

Another vehicle on display demonstrating Toyota’s diverse approach to electrification was the full-size hybrid Tundra pick-up.

In a Toyota first, 300 Tundras will be converted to right hand drive locally by Toyota partner Walkinshaw Automotive Group and leased to selected potential customers for a real world evaluation and validation program.

Upgraded 70 series

Australia is a unique environment and Toyota remains committed to providing the right vehicles for all customers with the showcase providing a first in-the-metal look at the significantly upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series.

The upgraded 70 Series features updated styling and the new option of a 2.8-litre diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission – the first time this combination has been offered on the 70 Series range.

Toyota HiLux GR Sport

Joining the battery-electric concept and HiLux with 48-Volt Technology was the production HiLux GR Sport, the new flagship of the HiLux range offering improved performance in off-road conditions and a swathe of upgrades while retaining the HiLux’s strong 3,500kg braked towing capacity¹.

More than just a set of visual enhancements, the HiLux GR Sport offers a wider wheel track with enhanced suspension, brakes and tyres, and improved performance from the tried and tested 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, with the new apex off-road grade arriving in local showrooms in September.

The broad range of vehicles and technologies within the Toyota stable that were on show demonstrate the brand’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions while providing the right technology for customers at the right time.

But Toyota’s development of new technologies and applications doesn’t end there.

Toyota Mirai FCEV

Toyota has been leasing a small number of Mirai FCEVs to progressive organisations for the past two years an its long-term investment in hydrogen fuel-cell electric technology may also offer an appropriate solution for zero-tailpipe-CO2-emission commercial vehicles.

In the UK, Toyota recently showed off a HiLux Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Concept that uses the same Toyota FCEV system currently found in the production Mirai.

The system combines a 330-cell solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack, three high-pressure hydrogen tanks, a large lithium-ion battery, electric motor and rear transaxle.

In the Mirai, it develops 134kW/300Nm driving through the rear wheels, with the 5.6kg hydrogen tank capacity delivering a strong WLTP driving range of 650km².

The hydrogen HiLux concept is currently being developed into prototype vehicles in partnership with the UK government, built at Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Burnaston, England.

Along with hydrogen fuel-cell electric powertrains, Toyota is also developing internal-combustion engines powered by liquid hydrogen as seen in vehicles like the GR Corolla H2 race car as announced by Toyota Motor Europe earlier this year.

Notes

1 Towing capacity subject to regulatory requirements, and vehicle & equipment design limitations. Ask your dealer for more information, including Toyota Genuine Tow Bar capacity and availability.

2 Results achieved for Mirai FCEV sedan in Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure combined drive cycle energy consumption testing. Results produced in laboratory test conditions, using sample vehicles without fitment of accessories/customisation, & do not reflect real world driving. Figures should only be used for comparative purposes.

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