BOI Backs Toyota Hydrogen Hilux Line in Thailand, Exports 2027

Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) has approved investment promotion for a 1.49 billion baht ($44.3 million) Toyota Motor Thailand project to build hydrogen fuel-cell Hilux pickups at the Ban Pho plant in Chachoengsao province, according to reports published on 19 October 2026. The BOI describes it as the first production of hydrogen fuel-cell pickups in Thailand.

What the project involves

Toyota will convert an existing Hilux line for fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), adding workstations for hydrogen tanks, fuel cells, battery packs, electric motors and power-control systems. A hydrogen refuelling station will be installed inside the factory to support production and testing.

• Investment: 1.49 billion baht (about $44.3 million)
• Capacity: 3,000 vehicles a year
• Start of production: December 2027
• First markets: all exported, mainly to Europe, Australia and New Zealand, where Toyota had earlier planned to introduce the model from 2028

Why it matters for Thailand

Photo: Siarhei Besarab — CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Thailand has long been a major global pickup-truck base. Building a hydrogen version here suggests that base is moving into new powertrains rather than only making combustion vehicles.

The most tangible effect is on the supply chain. The project is expected to use about 640 million baht a year of Thai-made parts, including air-conditioning and cooling systems, seats, wheels and tyres, wiring harnesses and interior components. Toyota also plans to transfer manufacturing, quality-control and safety know-how to Thai suppliers.

The wider EV investment picture

As of September 2026 the BOI had approved 203 EV-ecosystem projects worth more than 141 billion baht. Toyota has invested in Thailand for 64 years, more than 200 billion baht in total; its Samrong, Gateway and Ban Pho plants can build over 770,000 vehicles a year, and it employs more than 13,000 people.

The BOI's secretary-general said Toyota "has continued to place confidence in Thailand throughout more than 60 years of investment."

Refuelling remains the open question

Photo: Bill Harrison — CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

The project is export-focused, and domestic use would depend on infrastructure such as hydrogen stations. The reports cited give no plan to expand them in Thailand; the only confirmed station is the one inside the factory for production and testing.

What to watch

• Progress installing the line before the planned December 2027 start
• Which Thai suppliers join the supply chain
• Whether any Thai sales plan is announced; none has been so far

Information as of 27 October 2026. For today's EV options, see the EV charging cost calculator and the charging station directory.