Bradford is set to become a key player in the transition to hydrogen-powered taxis, as discussions between Bradford Council and Toyota progress. The plan revolves around the introduction of Toyota Mirai fuel cell taxis, supported by the construction of a hydrogen refuelling station on Bowling Back Lane.
The refuelling site, which received government funding, was confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last year. This infrastructure will be essential for implementing the pilot programme, making Bradford a potential leader in hydrogen-powered transport.
Bradford’s Clean Air Strategy and Electric Taxi Rollout
Bradford Council has actively pursued low-emission transport solutions, with its Clean Air EV Taxi Fund enabling 520 taxis to transition to zero emissions. Further applications are in progress, with expectations to reach 800 electric taxis—the highest outside London.
A council statement highlighted that it is also exploring alternative decarbonisation strategies beyond electric vehicles. Discussions with Toyota form part of a broader effort to expand sustainable transport options.
Toyota’s Hydrogen Technology
The Toyota Mirai is an electric vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells, generating electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike battery-electric cars, Mirai taxis can be refuelled at hydrogen stations, such as the planned Bowling Back Lane facility.
Toyota describes the Mirai as:
"The next step in the age of zero harmful tailpipe emissions, powered by electricity made in its innovative fuel cell stack that fuses oxygen and hydrogen together."
Economic and Environmental Impact
The Bowling Back Lane hydrogen production site is expected to generate £120 million for the local economy and create up to 125 new jobs.
With a daily production capacity of 12.5 tonnes of hydrogen, the facility could remove the equivalent of 800 diesel-fueled buses from West Yorkshire’s roads.
Awaiting Toyota’s Response
While discussions are ongoing, Toyota has yet to comment on the potential pilot scheme. Bradford Council continues to seek funding opportunities to support low-emission transport across the district.
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