Toyota to run hydrogen‑fuel‑cell Hilux prototype at 2027 Dakar Rally

Toyota Gazoo Racing will enter a hydrogen fuel‑cell DKR GR FC Hilux prototype in the Dakar Future Mission 1000 experimental class at the 2027 Dakar Rally, scheduled for 1‑15 January in Saudi Arabia. The vehicle replaces a conventional internal‑combustion engine with a compact fuel‑cell system that emits only water, and it will be used as a testbed to improve fuel‑cell size, cooling, energy‑management and durability. Initial testing began in Belgium, with further trials planned before the rally.

The prototype builds on Toyota’s multi‑year hydrogen programme, which includes previous concept cars such as the Orc Rookie Corolla H2 and the GR Yaris H2, as well as a hydrogen‑powered demonstration at the 24‑Hour Le Mans race. Participation in the Future Mission 1000 class—restricted to experimental vehicles covering roughly 1 000 km of the rally—allows Toyota to evaluate the technology under the extreme conditions of the world‑renowned rally‑raid, which spans about 8 390 km in total.