hydrogen fuel cell – Pulpaddict

Prototype hydrogen Toyota Hilux pick-up revealed

Toyota has reached another milestone in its progress towards zero carbon with the unveiling of a prototype hydrogen fuel cell Hilux.

Built at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston car plant in Derby, it has been developed in a joint project with consortium partners, supported by UK Government funding (via the Advanced Propulsion Centre).

The new powertrain uses core elements from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric saloon – technology that has proved its quality in almost 10 years of commercial production. When driven, the fuel cell produces no tailpipe emissions other than pure water.

Three high-pressure fuel tanks are used, giving the Hilux an expected driving range of more than 365 miles – significantly further than might be achieved with a battery electric system. The battery, which stores electricity produced on-board by the fuel cell, is positioned in the rear load deck, avoiding loss of cabin space.

“The project team have accomplished an incredible job in a very short space of time, from creating the prototype build area to completion of the first vehicle,” said Richard Kenworthy, TMUK Managing Director.

“The UK Government funding has enabled us not only to develop a new vehicle in record time, but also to upskill our teams to work on hydrogen-related technologies, something we hope to build on in the future.

“This is a great vote of confidence in UK manufacturing and its potential to deliver carbon-free vehicles to meet future targets.”

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Toyota Mirai shatters 1,000-kilometre range barrier

Gareth Herincx

6 hours ago
Auto News

A Toyota Mirai has covered more than 1,000 kilometres – or a huge 621 miles – on a single tank of fuel, easily beating the previous long-distance record for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

The journey, undertaken in France during Paris de l’hydrogène – an exhibition on hydrogen and renewable energies – started in Orly and covered 1,003 kilometres of public roads in the Loir-et-Cher and Indre-et-Loire areas, with the distance and fuel consumption certified by an independent authority.

Green hydrogen was used to fuel the Mirai and overall consumption was measured at 0.55 kg/100km. Upon completing the challenge, the Mirai was refuelled within five minutes.

The previous hydrogen fuel cell range record of 778 km (484 miles) was set in May 2021 by a Hyundai Nexo.

“It’s an amazing result that we achieved with the new Mirai. One that embodies the mindset of Toyota’s Start your Impossible mentality of going beyond our own limits. This drives us and we proved it again today,” said Frank Marotte, CEO of Toyota France.

The new Mirai is the second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle from Toyota. It offers enhanced driving performance, better fuel efficiency, a 30 per cent greater range and a price tag almost 25 per cent lower than its predecessor.

The increased efficiency of the fuel cell system, coupled with a 1 kg increase in hydrogen capacity gives the Mirai a certified range of approximately 650 kilometres (400 miles), under normal driving conditions.

While the 1,000-kilometre marker was broken by Toyota’s drivers adopting an economical driving style, no techniques were used that could not be replicated in everyday driving.

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Toyota fuel cell technology lights up Paris

Gareth Herincx

2 days ago
Auto Blog

The Eiffel Tower has been illuminated green, using a Toyota fuel cell powered generator.

The striking display took place during the hydrogen and mobility exhibition, Paris de l’hydrogène, organised by Energy Observer – the Toyota-supported, self-sufficient world-travelling boat operator – and the City of Paris.

The exhibition highlights the vehicles, technologies and applications that will shape the sustainable cities of the future and is being powered by a green hydrogen-fuelled GEH2 generator, developed by EODev (Energy Observer Developments), incorporating a Toyota fuel cell.

As well as providing the power for the exhibition, Toyota’s fuel cells can be found in a number of exhibits, including the new Toyota Mirai saloon car, the fuel cell CaetanoBus and a REXH2 maritime range extender – another EODev innovation.

Each of the products is commercially available today, providing real-world solutions for decarbonisation across industry and society.

“Hydrogen fuel cell technology will play a key role in enabling Toyota to reach its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050,” said Matt Harrison, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.

“This commitment was made back in 2015 when we announced our 2050 Environmental Challenge and launched Mirai – the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle.

“We also believe that fuel cell technology will play a vital role in achieving carbon neutrality across the global transportation ecosystem. Not just in the automotive sector but also across the bus, truck, rail, aviation, maritime and stationary power sectors.”

As the Official Mobility Partner for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris has a special significance for Toyota. During the Games, Toyota will provide zero-emission vehicles and advanced mobility products to highlight its commitment to zero-emission mobility solutions and “Mobility for All”.

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