Hari Raya Aidilfitri is here again but for this year, the celebrations will be somewhat different due to the continuation of the Movement Control Order (MCO). UMW Toyota Motor understands that many will be disappointed that they are unable to celebrate together with their loved ones in their hometowns.
To lift the spirits of Malaysians, the company prepared three videos, each with its own unique approach and theme, which was shared on its various social media channels.
“Drawing on Toyota’s own past experiences of difficult and challenging times, I believe that the human spirit is resilient and we will come out stronger. In the short term, things may be tough but at the end, there will be greater strength and confidence from having endured the challenges,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
In the first video posted, Malaysians were invited by the company to submit captures of themselves, observing Ramadan in their own way, while adhering to the MCO requirements to stay at home. These homemade videos were then strung together into a more complete film depicting real-life scenarios and experiences of Ramadan being observed under the unique circumstances.
For the Raya videos, there are two different themes. The first one shows a family coming to terms with the current situation, and accepting that it is a necessary sacrifice to make. For the second Raya video, which was shared on May 25, Toyota GAZOO Racing’s celebrity racers sing a Raya classic, “Senandung Hari Raya Untukmu”, to add sparkle to the celebratory mood, even while observing the MCO.
The first Raya video was produced by working with a real family who actually shot the scenes themselves. The father operated the camera and lighting with the family members as the talent, and their house as the main location.
Adhering to the MCO Standard Operating Procedures, production of all three videos had minimal crew present and even the director gave guidance via video calls. Social distancing was observed during filming with the exception of the family scenes since they depicted people living in the same house.
“The ultimate message of the videos is to stay strong and to continue our journey in the face of hardship. Similarly, Toyota is staying resilient by adapting to the current situation. With its e-showroom, virtual test drives, augmented reality app, and more, Toyota is making sure the public can still get its products and services while caring for the public’s safety,” said Ravindran K. President of UMW Toyota Motor.
“We realise this year’s festival will be different and while many are unable to be together, we hope that Malaysians will still be able to celebrate in a meaningful way at home. On behalf of UMW Toyota Motor, we wish all our Toyota owners, customers and business associates Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!” he said. “And to all Malaysians, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and may you find peace and happiness.”
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The COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia brought many activities to a standstill and this including the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and Toyota Vios Challenge which had been scheduled for the weekend of April 17 – 19 at the Sepang International Circuit. As the government indicated that public activities and gatherings should not be held till at least the end of the year, the organizers, UMW Toyota Motor have had no choice but to conclude the season after three of the four rounds were run.
Season 3 champions
With this decision, the three champions of Season 3 are Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel as overall champion of the Super Sporting class for professional drivers; Hayden Haikal takes the crown for winning the Sporting class for amateur drivers; and musician and TV personality Shawn Lee topped the list of celebrity racers in the Promotional class.
This is Tengku Djan’s second title after being champion in the first season of the Toyota Vios Challenge. He took a break from racing to assume responsibility as Team Manager in Season 2. Driving for Team 23 Motors, Tengku Djan finished the third season 11 points ahead of runner-up Mark Darwin of Laser Motor Racing, with Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang a further 14 points behind.
“The season has been nothing short of intense from start to finish. Competing in a one-make series where you are essentially limited to only your driving skills, there’s only so much you can do in the company of so many experienced and talented elite drivers on the grid and I am fortunate enough to have finished every race consistently in the points,” said Tengku Djan, who won two of the season’s six races.
Tengku Djan Ley
He added: “The Toyota Vios Challenge has been an incredibly rewarding series for drivers as much as it is a tough proving ground because not only are you driving on a street circuit which requires you to be extremely precise, but everyone competes on a level playing field by driving identical race machines. It builds character, confidence, accelerates a driver’s learning curve and teaches drivers to become more technical and tactical by making minute changes to the car’s set-up with the hope of gaining some advantage.”
16-year-old Hayden Haikal, the youngest ever individual to win a race in the Toyota Vios Challenge, joined the series in Season 2 and at 15 then, was the youngest rookie driver to compete in the series as he transitioned from karting to saloon car racing. Not only was the teenager forced into a steep learning curve (having to learn how to manually change gears and to assimilate himself with the dynamics of a saloon car), but he unexpectedly improved and excelled with every race. Hayden’s track record in Season 3 included two race victories for S&D Motorsports, allowing him to end his campaign ahead of another teenage driver, Bradley Benedict Anthony (Dream Chaser team) who was 12 points behind.
Looking back on his two seasons, he added that his participation in the series was timely given his move from karting and that the Toyota Vios Challenge not only provided a level playing field for first time racers, but was also cost effective. “In the end, the series addressed what mattered most to my parents and I and that was to enhance my racing skills and it wasn’t about how much money one can afford to spend on the cars we compete in,” said Hayden.
The celebrity racers in Season 3 included Akio Takeyama (third from right), Chief Motorsports Officer of Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia and also Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
Meanwhile, also claiming his second overall championship win in the Promotional class, Shawn Lee clearly demonstrated a more composed and confident drive throughout the season. Lee had been crowned Promotional class champion in season 1 and was promoted to race the following season in the more competitive Sporting class. Returning to the Promotional class in Season 3, he drove to three race wins and clearly emerged as the most dominant driver on the grid. Finishing second overall was actor Shukri Yahaya, 15 points adrift, while in third was TV personality Nabil Ahmad.
Season 3 of the street racing series had started off in Kuala Terengganu last September before moving to Bandar Malaysia (the old TUDM airbase in Kuala Lumpur) in November, and Batu Kawan in Penang in February this year.
“It is certainly not the most ideal way to conclude what has traditionally been a closely-contested championship. Like the previous two seasons, the Toyota Vios Challenge is unique in that as a one-make series, emphasis has always been on a level playing field, driving skills and experience which ultimately resulted in no clear winner emerging until the very last race. Season 3 had again demonstrated this spirit of competition, but inevitably the final race must yield to an even greater agenda which is to place national interest and public safety ahead of all other matters,” said Akio Takeyama, Chief Motorsports Officer of Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia.
Mr. Takeyama, who is also Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, said the final results were made after careful deliberation in adherence to and consistent with all provisions underlined by the technical and sporting regulations of the championship, and in discussion with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), Malaysia’s governing body for motorsports. The decision was also consistent with the best practices of other international motorsports events.
Looking ahead
Moving forward, Mr. Takeyama revealed that the company is currently in the advanced stages of preparing for an even more exciting fourth season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and Toyota Vios Challenge.
“Season 4 will be an entirely different experience, offering racers, teams and participating dealers not only an enhanced racing format but also prize and reward structure. Without revealing too much too soon, I would also like to announce that the Toyota Gazoo Racing spirit will extend beyond the Toyota Vios Challenge and provide racers with additional racing programs to compete in. Another element we are closely looking into is talent development and expansion of TGR e-Racing.”
The TGR program of activities in Malaysia will give more attention to eSports.
Summing up the season, President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran K. said that the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and Toyota Vios Challenge has grown from strength to strength to fulfill the company’s three key objectives: to bring motorsports and Toyota’s racing spirit to the masses; to elevate Malaysian motorsports by introducing the concept of racing on street circuits; and successfully demonstrating the performance, reliability and durability of its vehicle to perform under extreme conditions.
“It has been a monumental task, but one that has been well worth the effort and an initiative we intend on pursuing further. I would like to convey our highest appreciation to all the participating teams, drivers, dealers, fans, spectators, sponsors and officials who have been instrumental in making this Series a success,” said Mr. Ravindran.
“Our decision to venture into motorsports was with the intent of injecting greater excitement into Malaysian motor-racing and in three season, we have not only successfully established a one-make series offering a greater level playing field and is much more affordable and accessible to the masses, but also contributed to the development of new, young and talented drivers.”
Twenty years ago, with the Y2K computer glitch reduced to the punchline of the year, technology in another corner took a big leap as a small sedan appeared in the automotive landscape in America. It was the Toyota Prius, the world’s first production car with a hybrid powerplant consisting of a small internal combustion engine which worked with an electric motor.
The original Prius
The Prius would profoundly change the trajectory of automotive propulsion evolution and prepare motorists for the transition to electric vehicles. Over the next two decades, Toyota would go on to sell more than 6 million Prius hybrids worldwide, with more than 3.6 million total hybrid models (including Lexus) sold in the USA alone.
And so, on its 20th anniversary in America, Toyota has come out with 2,020 units of a special anniversary version. The cars will be offered in Supersonic Red or Wind Chill Pearl and feature striking black exterior trim and unique features, including a colour-keyed rear spoiler.
There are also black inserts for the 17-inch alloy wheels, black-out headlight components and trim, B-pillars and mirror housings. Also unique to the Prius 2020 Edition, as it is known, are a ‘2020’ insignia key glove/fob and floormats, as well as black shift knob and interior A-pillar trim and smoked air vents.
For the latest Prius, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS) is now available, providing the driver with more assistance that can help avoid accidents. The Pre-Collision System is now enhanced with Low-Light Pedestrian Detection while the forward sensors can detect bicyclists.
The foundation of Prius efficiency is the Toyota Hybrid System II (shown above). It operates much in the same fashion as the original hybrid system but is more compact, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient. Today’s system uses a high-efficiency 1.8-litre 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine working with two motor-generators through an electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The advanced Power Control Unit is the key to extracting the greatest efficiency from the powertrain. In most situations, the Prius launches on battery power alone and then seamlessly starts the petrol engine and blends its output once underway, turning it off when its power is not needed.
After 20 years, the Prius has reached its fourth generation which sits on the Toyota New Global Architecture-K platform (TNGA-K). It is the most efficient and quietest Prius ever offered and is available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as well as an AWD-e variant with all-wheel drive.
Virtually all industries and businesses in Malaysia suspended operations on May 18 as the Movement Control Order (MCO) started, a measure to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.With the situation improving, the government is allowing resumption of operations of most industries.
Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB), UMW Toyota Motor’s subsidiary involved in manufacturing Toyota vehicles, is among those that has resumed its assembly operations. It has two assembly plants in Selangor and the newer one at the Bukit Raja Industrial Park commences today. This plant assembles the popular Vios and Yaris models and has been in operation since January 2019. The second plant in Shah Alam, among the oldest in Malaysia, will commence operations on June 9, 2020.
The ASSB plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor which assembles the Yaris and Vios models.
“We are grateful to the Selangor State Government for its decision to implement the CMCO with customised details and understand that it is in the best interest of the state and people,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “With the resumption of operations, we hope to help in boosting the economy and add momentum to the automotive industry and business moving forward.”
As with all companies allowed to resume their operations at full capacity, there are strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which must be followed. ASSB will fully adhere to these SOPs for the protection and health of the approximately 2,000 employees working at its facilities.
The SOPs include establishing distances of 1 metre or more between workers; regular temperature checks; provision and use of hand sanitizers and face masks; and sanitization of various areas around the plant three times daily. Where necessary, working hours and work flows are adjusted to create a safe environment.
“Toyota Motor Corporation is also very serious about providing safe and healthy conditions for all employees. As a member of the global Toyota family, ASSB can therefore draw on healthcare advice and best practices from TMC regarding additional measures that can be taken here in Selangor,” added Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has announced that authorised Toyota and Lexus Sales & Service Outlets in its network that are located in areas observing the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) will be open for business from today (May 4, 2020).
The opening of the Sales & Service Outlets will be based on approval and regulations by the respective state governments. This follows approval from the Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI).
All outlets have received guidelines for their daily operations which must be in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by MITI. The SOP requires such measures as social distancing, sanitization of premises and contactless payments where possible.
Vehicle owners are advised to call in advance to check on the operating days and hours of their preferred Sales or Service Outlet as well as to secure an appointment before going there. Click here for contact details of the outlets.
“We will follow the SOP strictly at all our Sales & Service Outlets for our customers’ peace of mind as well as to also protect our staff. It is hoped that our customers will understand the requirements which are necessary in the public interest and safety,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
With regards to those vehicles purchased from UMWT or their authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during the MCO period, there will be a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO (currently scheduled to be May 12, 2020).
During the 1990s, Toyota launched two models that created new market segments almost overnight. The first was the RAV4, which started the small passenger-car based SUV trend but the second was of great significance. It was the Prius, the pioneer of mass-produced hybrid vehicles.
Today, many carmakers have models with hybrid powertrains too and of the many millions on the roads all over the world, over 15 million have been made by Toyota.
Toyota’s decision to develop hybrid electric vehicles started over 25 years ago when Takeshi Uchiyamada (the company’s Chairman today) led a team to develop a car for the 21st century. Concern for the environment was growing, with momentum coming from the Kyoto Protocol to address climate change, which many nations committed to.
“When we launched Prius, no one even knew what a hybrid was but thanks to early adopters, hybrids have ridden a wave of success into the mainstream,” said Mr. Uchiyamada.
First generation of the Prius
Toyota focussed on reducing greenhouse gas emissions (specifically carbon dioxide) and other harmful pollutants. With more than 15 million hybrids already in use, Toyota believes that it has made a significant contribution to the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 120 million tonnes worldwide to date (compared to sales of equivalent vehicles with internal combustion petrol engines alone).
The first generation of the Prius was launched in 1997 and in the years that followed, more Toyota (as well as Lexus) models gained hybrid powertrains. There are at least 44 models available globally today.
More than a numerical milestone, the continued and increasing use of hybrid powertrains demonstrates the staying power of the technology. It is a mainstream solution to reduce environmental pollution and also consumption of fossil fuel. This achievement builds on the belief that widespread adoption of more environmentally-friendly vehicles can make a significant positive impact worldwide.
Some of the Toyota hybrid models available today.
Hybrid leads to BEV and FCEV
While Toyota believes that hybrid vehicles are an essential part of the future overall mix of electrified vehicles, two decades of electrification experience also feed into the company’s multi-powertrain strategy. The company does not see a ‘one winner takes all’ scenario but a future where the different electrified technologies – hybrids and plug-in hybrids, fuel cell (FCEV) and battery electric (BEV) vehicles – all play a part.
Hybrid technology is the core technology which can be used in the development of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV) fuel cell vehicles. (FCVs)
As a result of its long hybrid electric vehicle experience, the company has deep transferable expertise in the core electrification technologies which are common across all form of electrified powertrains. Over two decades of continuous development of electric motors, batteries and power control units has taught Toyota how to manage and reuse energy efficiently, providing a range of electrified options for customers.
Toyota hybrid models in Malaysia
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) began selling the Prius when it started its third generation in 2009. Due to the heave taxes on CBU (completely built-up) vehicles, the earlier generations were unable to be attractively priced. However, in 2009, the government provided full import and excise duty exemption of hybrid and electric vehicles which made them more affordable.
The move was to demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint as well as to help the carmakers introduce hybrid technology to motorists in the country. It was hoped that some companies would then assemble their hybrid models locally.
Third generation of the Prius and Prius c (below) were sold in Malaysia.
A 4-year period of duty-exemption was given, during which time sales of such vehicles was quite high as their prices were attractive. Besides the Prius, UMWT also imported the smaller Prius c.
Following the withdrawal of the duty-free exemption, the price of the Prius jumped from RM139,900 to RM216,400 while the Prius c which entered the market at RM97,000 rose to around RM153,000. Not surprisingly, sales declined very quickly and imports of the Prius and Prius c ceased. However, Lexus Malaysia continued to offer hybrid variants for its CT, RX and LS models for customers who appreciated the advanced technology.
Following the activation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia on March 18 2020, all businesses except those related to essential services were required to stop operations. Service centres were among the businesses that had to remain closed, although emergency assistance services were permitted.
After the extension of the MCO until April 28 2020, MITI has given permission for car companies to resume aftersales services at selected outlets, with certain conditions to be followed. UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has received approval from MITI to re-open selected authorised Toyota service centres which will operate for emergency and urgent service requirements only, at minimum capacity.
Toyota owners are advised that the services are by appointment only. Customers should first contact the nearest service centre to their home to check if the outlet is in operation and then plan a suitable appointment time/date.
Every effort will be made to ensure the safety and protection of customers when they visit the service centres who will continue to practice social distancing and remain at least 1 metre or more apart to avoid possible transmission of the virus.
With regards to those vehicles purchased from UMWT or their authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during the MCO period, the company announced earlier that there will be a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO.
The company will continue to provide all customers with assistance for any emergencies or enquiries during the MCO period through its existing helplines. Customers may contact the following numbers throughout the duration of the MCO:
“As we always place customer care as a top priority, all Toyota vehicles sent to our service centres will receive a thorough inspection to ensure they are in good running order. However, we also urge customers to adhere to the regulations of the Movement Control Order and help to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Ravindran K. President of UMW Toyota Motor.
23 years ago, Lexus introduced a new model which created a premium SUV class. It was known as the RX and in Japan, the same model was also sold as a Harrier under the Toyota brand (probably because Lexus was not sold in Japan yet). For the generations that followed, the Lexus and Toyota models were essentially similar until 2013 when they separated and the Harrier became an independent development.
The first two generations of the Harrier were similar to the Lexus RX but the most recent one (right) was an independent development.
The Harrier name and product had built up a strong reputation, even outside Japan and was a very popular parallel import in many countries, including Malaysia. Initially a JDM (Japan Domestic Market) model, its popularity eventually led to UMW Toyota Motor deciding to officially sell it in Malaysia from 2017.
Now comes a new Harrier, to be launched in Japan in June 2020, which is said to ‘go beyond the SUV category to offer new value as ‘a life-enriching partner’. Like its predecessors, it offers the same high quality in design and engineering.
The new Harrier has a front view that emphasizes sharp styling with fluid proportions through the continuity of lines flowing from the front upper grill through to the headlamps. The headlamps (with double-L DRLs) indicate individuality and technical advancement while enabling easy identification from a distance.
The narrowed coupe cabin has sportscar-like wheel housings extending from both sides of the body. Light from a thin, sharp line of tail lamps and stop lamps gives it an overwhelming sense of presence.
TNGA platform
The new Harrier uses the TNGA (GA-K) platform for its basic structure. This creates a highly rigid body with a low centre of gravity, enhancing both ride comfort and driving performance with a focus on driver sensitivity.
The suspension system uses MacPherson struts at the front and a double wishbone set-up at the rear. The front and rear suspension geometry has also been optimized to produce a well-balanced rigid body. Through thorough tuning and testing, Toyota engineers aimed to provide a ride that is both solid and graceful.
To improve steering convergence in the new Harrier, the shock absorbers have a smooth pedal stroke even in very low speed ranges are used. This enables the driver to feel the tyres gripping the road, achieving a high level of sensitivity.
The TNGA platform brings with it the latest all-new Dynamic Force Engines (2.5 litres and 2.0 litres) and Direct Shift-CVT. Customers can also choose the continually evolving Toyota Hybrid System (THS II), which expands the options available more than ever. Drivetrains are AWD or 2WD as well as E-Four with the Harrier Hybrid.
Toyota Safety Sense
The new Harrier comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which employs a pre-collision safety system that detects pedestrians during the day and at night, as well as cyclists during the day. TSS includes Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Parking Support Brakes (Stationary Objects) that helps reduce and/or mitigate damage from collisions during low-speed driving in parking lots, etc.
There is also a Digital Inner Mirror, used for the first time by Toyota, which enables recording of images to the front and rear of the vehicle while driving. The hybrid variant features a 100-volt (AC)/1,500-watt accessory power outlet. This not only allows the use of electrical products using the same electrical outlets found in the home, but also enables the SUV to be used as a power generator during blackouts and other times of emergency.
Ruggedness and individuality
The interior employs tactile synthetic leather to create the image of a natural-looking silhouette wrapped in thick leather, and bentwood-inspired wood tones and piping throughout, presenting a casual air of quality.
A panorama roof, used for the first time by Toyota, is equipped with electric shades and electro-chromatic windows. When the windows are dimmed, soft light penetrates the cabin. Low-contrast browns, greys, and blacks are used to create a calming atmosphere that is both chic and mature.
The centre console presents a wide and imposing impression of a horse’s saddle. It combines with an instrument panel set within the edges of the ‘saddle’ to present a generous ruggedness with an emphasis on individuality.
In the battle against COVID-19, healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, hospital administrative staff, including cleaning and transportation staff, are on the frontlines, putting their professionalism and expertise at the fore, to fight for the rest of us.
Respecting the contribution of these heroes, Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), an independent not-for-profit foundation aimed at enabling mobility for all, announced its intention to provide 10 connected and sanitized shuttles that would be made available free of cost to certain hospitals that are treating COVID-19 cases.
These shuttles will be equipped with software that allow the commuters to book seats on routes that are dynamically generated to ensure that the most effective route is designed for the passengers requesting rides. The passengers will have certainty on the pick-up location and time to ensure that they can get to work at a designated time and transportation when they leave.
The ‘Just-in-Time’ software is designed by Singapore-based SWAT Mobility, a company that provides demand-responsive, ride-sharing solutions. The shuttles will also be adapted for sanitization with products and services including air purification devices, seat covers that can be periodically changed, and frequent cleansing services. Social distancing guidelines for passenger numbers will also be followed.
Representing TMF, Pras Ganesh, Program Director for Asia Region, said: “The aim of TMF is to provide the best possible mobility solution which allows the healthcare workers to have a safe, convenient and free commute which also allows peace of mind at this uncertain time. Based upon the Bangkok experience, we also aim to roll this service out in some Southeast Asian countries. Once standardized, the operating procedure, will also be made available to anyone who would like to provide similar services.”
The services will be rolled out with operational support from Toyota Motor Thailand and Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd. It aims to start from mid-April and operate for a period of at least 3 months.
Besides collaborating on the BMWZ4 and Toyota Supra, the BMW Group and Toyota have been working together on fuel cell technology. As Toyota has already commercialised a fuel cell vehicle (the Mirai), it can offer a good deal of knowledge and information to developing the alternative powertrain technology.
“We are convinced that various alternative powertrain systems will exist alongside one another in future, as there is no single solution that addresses the full spectrum of customers’ mobility requirements worldwide. The hydrogen fuel cell technology could quite feasibly become the fourth pillar of our powertrain portfolio in the long term. The upper-end models in our extremely popular X family would make particularly suitable candidates here,” said Klaus Frohlich, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Research and Development.
The BMW Group has been working with Toyota on fuel cell technology since 2013. Now it can offer the first virtual insights into the powertrain system for the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT.
Future prospects
Although the BMW Group has no doubt as to the long-term potential of fuel cell powertrain systems, it will be some time before the company offers its customers a production car powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. This is primarily due to the fact that the right framework conditions are not yet in place.
“In our view, hydrogen as energy carrier must first be produced in sufficient quantities at a competitive price using green electricity. Hydrogen will then be used primarily in applications that cannot be directly electrified, such as long-distance heavy-duty transport,” said Frohlich.
The requisite infrastructure, such as an extensive Europe-wide network of hydrogen filling stations, is also lacking at present. However, the BMW Group is pressing ahead with its development work in the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company is using the time until the infrastructure and sustainably produced hydrogen supply are in place to substantially reduce the cost of manufacturing the powertrain system.
Initial technical details
The fuel cell system for the powertrain for the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT generates up to 125 kW (170 bhp) of electric energy from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the ambient air. The vehicle emits nothing but water vapour. The electric converter located underneath the fuel cell adapts the voltage level to that of both the electric powertrain and the peak power battery, which is fed by brake energy as well as the energy from the fuel cell.
The two high-pressure tanks to store hydrogen can be filled up within a few minutes.
The vehicle also accommodates a pair of tanks that can together hold 6 kgs of hydrogen. Refuelling only takes 3 to 4 minutes and the capacity of the tanks gives a long range of travel.
The fifth-generation eDrive unit set to make its debut in the BMW iX3 is also fully integrated into the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT. This hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain will go through a pilot run in a small batch of SUVs based on the current BMW X5 that the BMW Group plans to present in 2022. However, volume production with hydrogen fuel cell technology will only start in the second half of this decade, at the earliest. That too will depend on the global market conditions and requirements.
Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell system already in use in the Mirai.The Mirai FCV has been on sale since 2014 in selected markets. A second generation has already been developed and will be launched at the end of this year.
Collaboration with Toyota
Besides partnering with the Japanese carmaker on the development and industrialisation of fuel cell technology for the mass market, the two companies are also founding members of the Hydrogen Council. A wealth of other leading companies in the energy, transport and industrial sectors have joined the Hydrogen Council since 2017, swelling its ranks to over 80 members. The BMW Group’s participation in the research project BRYSON (a German acronym for ‘space-efficient hydrogen storage tanks with optimised usability’) underlines its faith in the future viability and potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
