Friday, May 22, 2015

Powering the future

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles could change mobility forever

Around the world, efforts are being made to harness the power of hydrogen,
the most abundant element in the universe.
Recognizing hydrogen’s vast potential as a clean energy source,
Toyota is actively developing and producing fuel cell vehicles (FCV).
We believe hydrogen can help us contribute to
the next 100 years of the automobile.
Vehicle Information
MIRAI

Fuel cell vehicles are leading innovation
in two key areas.

「Energy Infrastructure - Promoting a hydrogen society」「Sustainable Mobility - Overcoming global environmental and energy problems」
Depending on how we embrace fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen as an energy source,
the potential results could change the world and bring about innovations that far exceed even those of the Prius.

Toyota sees great potential in hydrogen
and fuel cell vehicles.

Hydrogen is a high-potential future energy source. | Fuel cell vehicles are ideal eco-cars.
  • Hydrogen
  • Fuel cell vehicles

What is a fuel cell vehicle?

Through the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, fuel cell vehicles generate electricity to power a motor. Instead of gasoline they are fuelled by hydrogen, an environment-friendly energy source that can be produced from a variety of raw materials.
Toyota’s efforts to make sustainable mobility a reality with hydrogen started in 1992, even before the release of the Prius. In 2002, Toyota began the world’s first limited sales of a fuel cell vehicle, the “Toyota FCHV”, in Japan and the U.S. Toyota has also made use of its hybrid vehicle technology in the development of fuel cell vehicles.
Generating electricity with hydrogen and oxygen
Toyota Fuel Cell System
Hydrogen and oxygen from the air are pulled into the fuel cells in the FC Stack, and electricity is created through a chemical reaction. The result: a responsive—and emission-free—drive.
  • History of development
  • Uses of fuel cell technology

Fuel cell vehicles: not just eco-cars

In addition to excellent environmental credentials, fuel cell vehicles are fun to drive, and also offer convenience and performance.
[Energy diversification][Fun to drive][Zero emissions][Performance][Can be used as a power supply]

Pioneering development, starting with the fuel cell manufacturing process.

MIRAI The Mirai, the world’s first fuel cell vehicle
for the mass market

The Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS) moves the Mirai

The Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS) moves the Mirai.
The Mirai features the Toyota Fuel Cell System, which combines fuel cell technology with hybrid technology.
The system is more energy efficient than internal combustion engines, and offers excellent environmental performance without emitting CO2 or other harmful substances during driving. At the same time, the system gives vehicles convenience on a par with conventional gasoline engine vehicles, thanks to a cruising range*1 of roughly 650 km and a refueling time of about three minutes*2.
In addition, the Mirai can serve as a high capacity power supply during emergencies. It is capable of supplying roughly 60 kWh*3 of electricity, with a maximum DC power output of 9 kW*4. When a separately-sold power supply unit is connected, the Mirai converts the DC power from the CHAdeMO power socket located inside the trunk to AC power and can power a vehicle-to-home*5 system or a vehicle-to-load system. Consumer electronics can also be connected directly and used from the interior accessory socket (AC 100 V, 1,500 W).
*1 According to Toyota measurements based on the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's JC08 test cycle; measured by Toyota when refueling at a hydrogen station supplying hydrogen at a pressure of 70 MPa under the SAEe J2601 standard conditions (ambient temperature: 20° C, hydrogen tank pressure when fueled: 10 MPa). Differing amounts of hydrogen will be supplied to the tank if refueling is carried out at hydrogen stations with differing specifications, and the cruising range will therefore also differ accordingly. It is estimated that a cruising range of approximately 700 km can be achieved when fueled under the conditions above at new hydrogen stations scheduled to begin operation from FY2016. Possible cruising range may vary considerably due to usage conditions (weather, traffic congestion, etc.) and driving methods (quick starts, air conditioning, etc.).
*2 As measured by Toyota when refueling at a hydrogen station supplying hydrogen at a pressure of 70 MPa under the SAEe J2601 Standard conditions (ambient temperature: 20°C, hydrogen tank pressure when fueled: 10 MPa). Time will vary depending on hydrogen fueling pressure and ambient temperature.
*3 After DC/AC conversion by power supply unit. Power supply capacity varies according to power supply unit conversion efficiency, amount of remaining hydrogen and power consumption.
*4 Power supply capability varies according to power supply unit specifications (amount of power supplied cannot exceed power supply unit specifications).
*5 Specific residential wiring is required.

A new driving sensation

Fun to drive [Motor-driven response][Low center of gravity][Optimal front and rear weight balance][Aerodynamic performance][Exceptional quietness][Highly rigid body]
Fuel cell vehicles offer excellent drivability. This is the result of the fusion of a painstaking design process. The Mirai offers a low center of gravity, aerodynamic performance, optimal weight layout, and a highly rigid body. These features, combined with the car’s engineless, motor-driven performance, create a driving experience that is smooth, safe, quiet and fun.

Design based on experience and knowledge

The unique and impressive design of the Mirai is perfect for a fuel cell vehicle:
it reflects the revolutionary nature of the technology.

Toyota’s in-house fuel cell technology development

Whereas many manufacturers procure high-pressure hydrogen tanks, etc., from outside sources, Toyota is developing its FC system (including the FC stack) in-house.
Our dedication to manufacturing always drives us to do as much as we can ourselves.

FCV video gallery

  • Driving PerformanceDriving Performance
  • FC Stack and Technical InformationFC Stack and Technical Information

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