Toyota steps up hydrogen-fuelled engine program for Europe

The new Brussels-based unit will hunt out new business partners keen to tap Toyota’s technology already developed in 2014 for the Toyota Mirai passenger car, and soon to feature in a light truck based on the Hino 700 Series.

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It also has hydrogen fuel cell test units fitted to an electrically powered catamaran that will attempt to circumnavigate the world while generating its own fuel.

The hydrogen fuel cell that generates the electricity used to turn the saildrives of the Energy Observer, was adapted from the unit used to power the Toyota Mirai.

A more compact, lighter and energy-dense version of the fuel cell used in the Mirai will be revealed in 2021 as Toyota’s hydrogen-fuelled passenger car program takes its next big step.

The more efficient fuel cell, combined with the addition of a third fuel tank, will extend the next-generation Toyota Mirai’s real-world driving range to about 650km, making it comparable with a conventionally engined car.

Toyota said it would focus on hydrogen “clusters” where the infrastructure was already in place to support hydrogen-powered fleets.

“It [Toyota’s fuel cell business group] believes activity like this will drive demand for hydrogen, bringing down costs and strengthening the viability of the supply infrastructure, which in turn will attract more customers,” Toyota said.

“Through the new fuel cell business group, Toyota will work closely with industry partners, national and regional governments and organisations to stimulate the development of hydrogen eco-systems in more locations and progress towards the goal of a hydrogen society for the benefit of all.”

Europe is already home to an extensive battery-powered boat industry, potentially making it an ideal place to adapt and test the fuel cell technology.