Toyota is to develop a first-of-its-kind, zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hilux, in a move that could signal the beginning of the end for diesel power.

The two-year project is expected to culminate in the construction of prototype vehicles and, all being well, a short production run at the firm’s plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, that could create up to 250 jobs.

The venture has been backed by the government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre – a non-profit organisation focused on accelerating the uptake of zero-emissions vehicles – and involves several British engineering and industry bodies.

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The objective is to find alternative automotive options for people living and working in remote areas where battery charging is impractical. And time is of the essence, with the UK’s ban on the sale of new petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles, including pickups, starting in 2030.

Rather than starting development from scratch, the Hilux will get Toyota’s second-generation hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, as found in the Mirai saloon, in place of its regular 2.4-litre diesel engine. It mixes hydrogen and oxygen to produce energy and water, with the electricity used to top up the batteries that power an electric motor.