Toyota Develops New Fuel Cell Hybrid With Improved Cruising Distance Of More Than 500 Miles

6 June 2008

Toyota has developed a new fuel cell hybrid vehicle that travels more than double the distance of its predecessor model, increasing the maximum cruising range from 205 miles to 515 miles.

Limited cruising ranges of previous fuel cell systems presented obstacles to widespread fuel cell vehicle use but the ‘Toyota FCHV-adv’ (fuel cell hybrid vehicle-advanced) improves the cruising range with its newly designed high-performance Toyota FC Stack.

Fuel efficiency was improved by 25 per cent through improving fuel cell unit performance, enhancing the regenerative brake system and reducing energy consumed by the auxiliary system. Further changes include incorporating degradation control for the electrode catalyst and improving fuel cell durability.

Furthermore, equipping the vehicle with Toyota-developed high-pressure hydrogen tanks makes it possible to travel approximately 515 miles* on a single fuelling — performance that more than doubles that of the Toyota FCHV-adv’s predecessor, the Toyota FCHV.

The Toyota FCHV-adv also deals with the low-temperature start issues typically associated with fuel cell vehicles.

The building block of the Toyota FC Stack is the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA), where engineers focused on the basic problem of internally produced water interfering with electrical generation within the MEA at low temperatures.

Research was carried out to understand the behaviour and amount of water generated in the fuel cell, allowing engineers to optimise the MEA design to improve low-temperature start-up.

As a result, the Toyota FCHV-adv can start and operate in cold regions at temperatures as low as –30 degrees Celsius, meaning the vehicle can be used in a wider variety of conditions and climates.

While steadily conducting research and development to resolve issues such as how to improve the durability and reduce costs of the Toyota FC Stack, Toyota is working with government, energy companies and other concerned parties to actively bring about widespread fuel cell vehicle use.

The Toyota FCHV-adv acquired vehicle-type certification from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) on June 3.

*10-15 test cycle, Toyota calculations

Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle

TOYOTA FCHV-adv

TOYOTA FCHV

Overall length/width/height (mm)

4,735/1,815/1,685

4,735/1,815/1,685

Weight (kg)

1,880

1,880

Seating capacity

5

5

Maximum cruising range (km)*10-15 test cycle/JC08 test cycle

Approx. 830/Approx. 760

Approx. 330

(10-15 test cycle)

Maximum speed (km/h)

155

155

Fuel cell Name

Toyota FC Stack

Toyota FC Stack

Type

Polymer electrolyte

Polymer electrolyte

Output (kW)

90

90

Motor Type

Permanent magnet

Permanent magnet

Maximum output in kW (ps)

90 (122)

90 (122)

Maximum torque in

N-m (kg-m)

260 (26.5)

260 (26.5)

Fuel

Hydrogen

Hydrogen

Storage system

High-pressure storage tanks

High-pressure storage tanks

Maximum storage pressure (MPa)

70

35

Tank capacity (L)

156

148

Battery

Nickel-metal hydride

Nickel-metal hydride

*As based on TMC calculations

ENDS

Download this release as a PDF below

Toyota Develops New Fuel Cell Hybrid With Improved Cruising Distance Of More Than 500 Miles

Images

Images are copyright free for editorial purposes only

Media enquiries

Please click here to see the press contacts at Toyota (GB):

Show Press Contacts

For further information, please contact:

David Rogers

07825 280608 or by email at david.rogers@tgb.toyota.co.uk

General, alternative fuels and mobility media enquiries

David Crouch

07909 900 085 or by email at david.crouch@tgb.toyota.co.uk

General, fleet and motorsport media enquiries

Please understand that our press team only deal with enquiries from media representatives.

Toyota and Lexus Press Releases

To receive all Toyota and Lexus press information, please select the box below.


To update your profile type in your email address and press return. MailChimp will then send you an email confirming your details and you will then have the opportunity of amending your details.

* indicates required
All Toyota/Lexus News