Hydrogen Fuel Cell Archives

Toyota Mirai FCEV fleet in Germany clocks total of over 5 million kms

As Toyota prepares to start production of the second generation of its Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), one of its customers in Europe has covered over 5 million kilometres with its Mirai fleet. CleverShuttle, a ride pooling service in Germany, has set a record of sorts for having the most used Mirai fleet in the world.

During the two and a half years that the company has been running the Mira, its cars have covered a distance equivalent to six and a half times the distance from Earth to the moon and back.

“Fuel cell electric vehicles such as Toyota Mirai became an important pillar for us, thanks to their reliability. They have allowed us to provide countless passengers with comfortable rides, emitting nothing but water vapour,” said Jan Hofmann, COO & CO-Founder of CleverShuttle

CleverShuttle acquired its first batch of Mirais in September 2017 with 20 units initially which were offered in Hamburg. The fleet was progressively expanded up to 45 cars which were distributed at several German locations.

Reliability a strong point
Throughout this period, no repairs or parts replacements were needed, apart from regular maintenance, according to Ferry M.M. Franz, Director of Toyota Motor Europe in Berlin. “The experience of driving 5 million kilometres shows that fuel cell vehicles are already perfectly suitable for everyday use. No technical defects whatsoever and the unrestricted performance of the fuel cell, with mileage up to 180,000 kilometres per car so far, demonstrate the maturity and durability of Toyota’s fuel cell system,” he said.

The Mirai was introduced in 2014 and has been available in Europe since 2015. It is available to both private and commercial customers. The 4-seater is emission-free, requiring only hydrogen which the fuel cell converts into electrical energy to power the motors.

The combined output of the electric motors is 113 kW (154 ps) and on a full tank of hydrogen, the Mirai can travel up to 500 kms. Unlike a battery pack which requires some time to recharge, refuelling the Mirai is said to take just under 3 minutes. Of course, hydrogen stations are limited at this time and it will be a while before a widespread network is established.

Technically sophisticated with its advanced technology, the Mirai has served as a catalyst for increasing global awareness of how a future clean and sustainable hydrogen society might be achieved. Just as the Prius hybrid has been progressively improved since it was launched in the late 1990s, the next Mirai will mark a new stage for FCEV technology. Improvements in fuel cell system performance and increased hydrogen storage capacity will extend its driving range.

Toyota Mirai Concept previews next generation of FCEV to be launched at the end of 2020

Nikola Badger electric pick-up truck to use hydrogen fuel cell tech to achieve a range of 965 kms

Ever since Elon Musk unveiled the Tesla Cybertruck, the prospects for electrically-powered pick-up trucks have been increasing as other manufacturers (not the mainstream carmakers though) have announced plans for their own models.

The latest is Nikola Corporation which will show the first prototype later this year in Nevada. Design-wise, the Badger, as it is to be called, looks like the typical truck of today with a 5-seat cab and an overall length of 5900 mm. What is going to be game-changing is the performance which the company says will ‘target and exceed every electric or petrol pickup in its class’. To reduce development and production cost, the Badger will be built in conjunction with another manufacturer utilizing their certified parts and manufacturing facilities.

With a 150 kWh lithium-ion battery pack ‘refilled’ by a 120 kW hydrogen fuel cell that generates the electricity, the Badger is expected to have an output of up to 900 bhp with at least 50% available continuously, and almost 1,330 Nm of torque. Very impressive is the claim of an estimated 965 kms of range on a full battery pack and using the fuel cell but without the fuel cell support, the range will be about 480 kms.

The Badger is being designed to handle take-offs with minimal loss of performance and to operate on grades up to 40% through advanced software blending of batteries and fuel-cell. With a fully loaded trailer and combined vehicle weight of 8,180 kgs, the Badger will be able to launch from a standstill on a 30% grade without motor stall.

The electric pick-up will also be engineered to outperform all electric pick-up trucks on the market in continuous towing. It will have a 15-kW power outlet for tools, lights and compressors, which is enough power to assist a construction site for approximately 12 hours without a generator.

“Nikola has billions worth of technology in our semi-truck program, so why not build it into a pick-up truck?” said Trevor Milton, CEO, Nikola Corporation. “I have been working on this pick-up program for years and believe the market is now ready for something that can handle a full day’s worth of work without running out of energy. This electric truck can be used for work, weekend getaways, towing, off-roading or to hit the ski slopes without performance loss. No other electric pick-up can operate in these temperatures and conditions.”

“The Nikola Badger is a game-changer. The program will help drive down the cost of the fuel-cell components on our semi-truck while accelerating the hydrogen station roll-out. Giving customers the option to order a fuel-cell or battery electric version will ensure we drive the cost down for everyone across our line-up,” added Mark Russell, President of Nikola Corporation.

Toyota to start selling second generation of Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle in late 2020

Toyota introduced its first commercially-available hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) – the Mirai – in 2014. Technically sophisticated with its advanced technology, the Mirai has served as a catalyst for increasing global awareness of how a future clean and sustainable hydrogen society might be achieved.

Now, 5 years later, after real-world usage and further developments in fuel cell technology, the second generation is due for introduction towards the end of this year. It will be available initially in Japan, North America and Europe.

At the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota provided an early glimpse of the advances it is making across the board with the new Mirai, in terms of technical excellence, dynamic performance, and desirable design. Efficiency is still a critical area, and Toyota is targeting a 30% increase in the Mirai’s driving range (around 500 kms with the first generation model) through improvements to the fuel cell system and the use of larger on-board hydrogen tanks.

The new Mirai sits on Toyota’s latest rear wheel drive modular platform (TNGA-based) which has been engineered to accommodate different powertrains – including a hydrogen fuel cell – at the outset. It further gives the new Mirai a higher degree of body rigidity, which contributes to greater agility and responsiveness, and a lower centre of gravity, which makes for nimble, rewarding handling.

There will be three tanks – one long, two short – which together increase the fuel capacity by around one kilogram of hydrogen compared to the current model. As well as extending the potential driving range, improvements in the performance of the fuel cell system give more linear, smooth response when moving off. Handling is also said to be light and easy on winding roads.

2015 Toyota Mirai FC — *First generation of the Mirai. Some 10,000 units have been sold since 2015.*

2021 Toyota Mirai FCEV — *Concept model of second generation which was shown last year.*

The big change for the new Mirai’s is its exterior design, with low lines and a sleek, taut bodywork with large, 20-inch diameter wheels that together generate a powerful and distinctive look.

The interior has been conceived as a simple, modern space with a warm, comfortable ambience that adds to the sense this is a car that’s genuinely enjoyable to drive and travel in. Key elements include a 12.3-inch centre display and an instrument panel that wraps around the driver. The platform and intelligent packaging allow for five seats to be provided in place of the current Mirai’s four.

“We have pursued the goal of making a car that customers will feel they want to drive all time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face,” said Yoshikazu Tanaka, the new Mirai’s Chief Engineer who also headed the team for the development of the first generation.

“I want customers to say ‘I chose the Mirai not just because it’s an FCEV, but because I simply wanted this car; it just happens to be an FCEV.’ We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai, we will be a leader in helping realise a hydrogen energy society,” he added.

Toyota Mirai Concept previews next generation of FCEV to be launched at the end of 2020

Linde’s Hydrogen-Powered Mobility Technology To Support Zero-Emission Vehicles In Malaysia

Vehicles in Malaysia will one day be powered by a cleaner fuel alternative; hydrogen, an element found in water. Towards this end, Linde Malaysia, a member of The Linde Group, is gearing up to share its expertise in fuelling solutions to help power Malaysia’s automotive industry with zero-emission hydrogen technology.

“The world’s challenges associated with global warming (caused by CO2 emissions) pose a fundamental threat to the future of our planet. Linde sees hydrogen as an integral part of our renewable energy future in addressing this challenge. With over 25 years of research and development in hydrogen fuelling technologies, Linde has invested significantly at the global level in the future market for hydrogen. There are strong indicators that the market is receptive towards alternative fuels and energy with alternative mobility becoming more prevalent, particularly in Asia,” explained Linde South Asia and ASEAN Regional Managing Director, Rob Hughes.

(Seated, second from left) Linde South Asia & ASEAN Regional Managing Director, Rob Hughes, and (seated, third from left) Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Group Chief Executive Officer, Sharbini Suhaili, during the signing of the Memoradum Of Understanding between Linde and SEB to explore the potential of hydrogen

Malaysia is an attractive place for Linde to invest further, tapping into its richwater resource for the production, storage and supply of hydrogen and other industrial gasses. This is partly due to its abundant water resource, receiving an average of 2500 to 5080 millimetres of rainfall annually. “Technology, innovation and an inventive spirit have been at the core of Linde from the very beginning, making us the technology leader for end-to-end sustainable hydrogen solutions. Linde is no stranger to the automotive industry as we deliver hydrogen fuelling solutions for cars, buses and even forklift trucks. We intend to grow the commercialisation of hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles and boost our efforts with our partners to create infrastructures that enable greater adoption of hydrogen-electric mobility. Linde has seen success with this model across Europe and is now extending its focus here in Southeast Asia,” said Hughes.

More about the technology…

Hydrogen is categorised as a clean fuel, releasing water vapour when converted into fuel. Hydrogen is produced through natural gas steam reforming or the electrolysis of water. Its carbon-neutral nature means vehicles powered by hydrogen have zero-emissions, a solution that directly helps mitigate climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen is the most commonly occurring element in nature, which means it is renewable.

Hydrogen-powered cars are equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell and an electric motor. Inside the fuel cell of the car, the hydrogen reacts with oxygen drawn in from the ambient air. Hydrogen molecules separate and create electricity to power the electric motor, and water. The automotive industry stands to benefit from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) because they help reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions which greatly mitigates climate change.

This further supports the nation’s aspirations to reduce carbon emissions as demonstrated by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology, Science And Climate Change’s (Mestecc) recent announcement to introduce an Energy Efficiency Bill in 2019 to help Malaysia cut carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 in compliance with the Paris climate accord.

Hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles have a short refuelling time of only three minutes and the ability to cover 500 to 600 km. This makes hydrogen-powered vehicles comparable to conventional vehicles. The water vapour from the exhaust of a hydrogen-powered vehicle is clean to the point that it is drinkable, demonstrating its zero emissions feature.

Solidifying its commitment to the Malaysian market, Linde will be providing its technological expertise across the hydrogen value chain to Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), following the construction of the latter’s pilot hydrogen production plant and refuelling station, the first of its kind in the state of Sarawak and Southeast Asia. Linde also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the potential of hydrogen and how it can be potentially applied into other aspects together with SEB. The move demonstrates interest in clean fuel alternatives for a more sustainable automotive industry in Malaysia.

To date, Linde has equipped around 150 fuelling stations globally with innovative hydrogen refuelling technology. Linde is actively involved in collaborative partnerships to jointly develop new solutions for hydrogen as a fuel. It is a member of the ‘Hydrogen Council,’ the first global initiative of its kind, launched in January 2017, with the goal of positioning hydrogen among the key solutions of the energy transition to help meet climate goals. The council is made up of 13 CEOs and Chairpersons from various industries and energy companies including Daimler, Royal Dutch Shell, The Linde Group, Alstom, Honda, Hyundai, Kawasaki and Toyota among others.

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