Toyota To Begin Hydrogen Hilux Production In Thailand From December 2027
Toyota will convert a Hilux line at its Ban Pho plant in Thailand to produce 3,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles annually for export.
Toyota Motor plans to start production of a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) version of the Hilux pickup at its Ban Pho factory in Thailand from December 2027, with an annual capacity of 3,000 vehicles.
Production Line Conversion and Export Focus
The existing Hilux production line will be converted to accommodate assembly of hydrogen tanks, fuel cells, battery packs, electric motors, and energy control units. The project has received a Bt1.49 billion (US$44.3 million) investment promotion from Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI).
The new hydrogen Hilux vehicles are planned primarily for export markets, including Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Supporting infrastructure will include hydrogen refuelling stations installed at the factory for production and testing purposes.
Local Supply Chain Integration and Technology Transfer
The project is expected to utilise approximately Bt640 million worth of domestic materials and components annually. These will include air-conditioning and cooling systems, seats, wheels and tyres, wiring harnesses, and interior parts.
Toyota intends to transfer technology and collaborate with Thai parts suppliers to enhance production processes, quality control, safety, environmental management, and human resource development.
The BOI highlighted that the investment supports Thailand’s wider strategy of developing a comprehensive automotive manufacturing hub encompassing internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and FCEVs. Toyota’s Thai operations currently span 64 years with over Bt200 billion invested, and facilities capable of producing more than 770,000 vehicles annually.
According to BOI secretary-general Narut Teodsathirasak, the project not only advances hydrogen technology capabilities but also offers opportunities for human resource growth and further development of the Thai automotive supply chain.
Thailand has approved 203 EV-related investment promotion projects as of September 2026, representing a total investment exceeding Bt141 billion, including vehicle production, battery manufacturing, components, and infrastructure.
Monitoring the rollout of production and export performance from 2027 will provide insight into the commercial viability of hydrogen FCEVs in the Asia-Pacific region and the effectiveness of integrating such vehicles within established manufacturing networks.
