This first demo truck will be used to perform road testing and evaluation of improvements towards the next steps of the project. VDL Groep is preparing four more fuel cell trucks, which will be used by Toyota’s logistic providers VOS Transport Group, CEVA, Groupe CAT and Yusen. These transportation companies will greatly contribute to the project by using the hydrogen trucks on their daily logistics routes passing by Belgium (Antwerp), France (Lille), Germany (Cologne), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Rotterdam). The four routes have at least one hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) each, including back-up solutions.

The cooperation between all parties is expected to consolidate the learnings on how to deploy fuel cell trucks on public roads and contribute to Europe’s ecological energy transition. The 5-year trial is expected to stimulate the further development of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure across Europe meeting the AFIR requirements and allow for more carbon neutral hydrogen mobility solutions to emerge. 

This project is complementing Toyota’s initiatives to decarbonise logistics and supporting their long-term goal to become fully carbon-neutral by 2040. Beyond the electrification of passenger cars, the company sees high value in collaborating with multiple partners to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and accessible zero-emission hydrogen economy. It is therefore partnering with companies from all mobility sectors and with different skills in order to test and provide reliable and efficient solutions.

_{About VDL Special Vehicles}

_{VDL Special Vehicles is a specialist in the field of battery electric and hydrogen solutions for on- and off-road vehicles. As a contract manufacturer, we provide production capacity for small to medium-sized series of (parts of) zero-emission vehicles. In addition, we can also support in areas such as product development, prototyping, and certification of zero-emission drivelines, up to the extent of fully developing an alternative driveline for your application. VDL Special Vehicles enables its customers to Offer vehicle solutions that make the world a cleaner place. Our background lies in the development and production of chassis for buses and coaches in a variety of applications. It is because of this experience that we started developing zero-emission drivelines more than 20 years ago. This knowledge and experience have been used over the past two decades to develop various hydrogen and battery-electric solutions for medium and heavy road vehicles such as buses and trucks. Our engineering team is capable of integrating these and other solutions into existing third-party vehicles. Examples include construction, agricultural, port, or airport equipment. In addition, as a contract manufacturer, we offer third parties the opportunity to have their zero-emission vehicles produced in our facilities.}

_{VDL Special Vehicles is part of the international, industrial family business VDL Groep, with its head office in the Eindhoven Brainport region, the Netherlands. It was founded in 1953 and now, 70 years later, the third Van der Leegte family generation has been at the group’s helm since 2017. VDL Groep has over 16,000 employees and operates in 19 countries. The group comprises more than 100 operating companies, each with its own specialism, working together intensively. The activities of these companies can be summarised in the ‘five worlds of VDL’: Science, Technology & Health, Mobility, Energy & Sustainability, Infratech and Foodtech. The combined annual revenue in 2022 amounted to €5.752 billion. Read more on www.vdlgroep.com.}

_{For more information about VDL Special Vehicles, please contact: Miel Timmers   +31 6 147 67 066  - m.timmers@vdl.nl}

The company sees significant potential in using hydrogen trucks to decarbonise its logistic routes. The lower mass of hydrogen systems allows for heavier payload and the fast refuelling of hydrogen is essential for transport with high utilisation. Hydrogen can refuel a truck as quickly as diesel and the usage patterns of trucks with their demand for larger volumes of hydrogen position them as key contributors in maturing sustainable infrastructures around key routes.

VDL Groep will build the first fuel cell truck by the summer of 2023, followed by more vehicles to be produced and assessed on TME logistics routes in the autumn of 2023. The project will consolidate learnings on how to deploy fuel cell trucks, further supporting the company’s long-term vision of decarbonising logistics and reducing Toyota’s carbon footprint beyond the electrification of passenger vehicles.

Fuel cell trucks also have a key role in the growth of the wider European hydrogen ecosystem, strongly supporting transport decarbonization and an ecological energy transition. Heavy-duty vehicles are critical in generating a healthy supply and demand dynamic for hydrogen. The profitable feedback loop will stimulate the development of a sustainable infrastructure, while allowing other new mobility applications to emerge. The infrastructure for hydrogen trucks can simply be stretched to other  hydrogen vehicles that can use the same hydrogen refueling stations. This new truck project is one of many that Toyota has recently put into place with multiple partners, including those for light commercial vehicles, boats, trains and buses, with the goal of accelerating the transition to a hydrogen economy.

_{About VDL Special Vehicles}

_{VDL Special Vehicles is a specialist in the field of battery electric and hydrogen solutions for on- and off-road vehicles. As a contract manufacturer, we provide production capacity for small to medium-sized series of (parts of) zero-emission vehicles. In addition, we can also support in areas such as product development, prototyping, and certification of zero-emission drivelines, up to the extent of fully developing an alternative driveline for your application. VDL Special Vehicles enables its customers to Offer vehicle solutions that make the world a cleaner place. Our background lies in the development and production of chassis for buses and coaches in a variety of applications. It is because of this experience that we started developing zero-emission drivelines more than 20 years ago. This knowledge and experience have been used over the past two decades to develop various hydrogen and battery-electric solutions for medium and heavy road vehicles such as buses and trucks. Our engineering team is capable of integrating these and other solutions into existing third-party vehicles. Examples include construction, agricultural, port, or airport equipment. In addition, as a contract manufacturer, we offer third parties the opportunity to have their zero-emission vehicles produced in our facilities.}

_{VDL Special Vehicles is part of the international, industrial family business VDL Groep, with its head office in the Eindhoven Brainport region, the Netherlands. It was founded in 1953 and now, 70 years later, the third Van der Leegte family generation has been at the group’s helm since 2017. VDL Groep has over 16,000 employees and operates in 19 countries. The group comprises more than 100 operating companies, each with its own specialism, working together intensively. The activities of these companies can be summarised in the ‘five worlds of VDL’: Science, Technology & Health, Mobility, Energy & Sustainability, Infratech and Foodtech. The combined annual revenue in 2022 amounted to €5.752 billion. Read more on www.vdlgroep.com.}

_{For more information about VDL Special Vehicles, please contact:}

_{Sanne Beemster                                          +31 6 535 1022                                                                           s.beemster@vdlspecialvehicles.com}

TME’s Fuel Cell Business is looking to further expand into the wider commercial vehicle sector as a means to accelerate the growth of zero emissions hydrogen mobility. Specifically, it sees great promise in trucks, which are responsible for 77% of all freight transported on European roads. While the lower mass of hydrogen systems allows for heavier payload, the fast refuelling of hydrogen is also essential for heavy commercial transport with high utilisation. Commercial trucks usage patterns and their demand for larger volumes of hydrogen position them as key contributors in developing sustainable infrastructures. Globally, Toyota is already working with multiple truck partners to integrate fuel cell technology in heavy-duty transport. The ZANZEFF “Shore to Store” project in US, which started back in 2019, recently proved that fuel cell electric trucks can match diesel performance and provide a zero-emissions alternative ready for commercial deployment.

The partnership with Hyliko also marks another step towards TME’s vision for hydrogen ecosystems in Europe, stimulating both supply and demand to expand into viable business models. As hydrogen energy is a key pillar of Europe’s energy strategy, TME is prioritising the expansion of  different types of fuel cell applications within hydrogen ecosystems to support their growth. TME’s partnership strategy aims to develop synergies between the different business sectors and supports communities that want to further expand into fully fledged hydrogen corridors.

Hyliko will offer two models of fuel cell trucks: a 44t tractor and a 26t straight truck (available in 6x2 and 6x4 variants). Each of these vehicles will be equipped with two Toyota fuel cell modules. As part of its truck leasing offering, Hyliko plans to introduce its own green hydrogen infrastructure, including fuel production, storage and distribution.

About Hyliko

Hyliko is the first integrated decarbonization solution for road freight transport. To meet the logistics and road transport sectors new challenges, Hyliko offers a hydrogen mobility platform with a negative carbon footprint, combining the leasing and maintenance of hydrogen trucks, the supply of green hydrogen fuel and the management of carbon credits. Hyliko also offers tailor-made support and pay-as-you-go vehicles. A solution adapted to the needs of its customers for an accelerated and large-scale deployment. More information on www.hyliko.com

The consortium, led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (TMUK) will receive funding to cover the development of a fuel cell powered Hilux. In collaboration with highly skilled UK based technical engineering partners, namely Ricardo, ETL, D2H and Thatcham Research, the project’s aim is to adopt second generation Toyota fuel cell components (as used in the latest Toyota Mirai) for the transformation of a Hilux into a fuel cell electric vehicle. While TMUK is leading the project, a team from Toyota Motor Europe (TME) R&D will provide expert technical support to enable the UK-based teams to build its own expertise and self-sufficiency to develop next generation hydrogen drivetrain capabilities. 

For over 20 years, Toyota has been promoting a multi-path approach to carbon neutrality by offering a diverse vehicle line-up including all electrified technologies, Hybrid Electric, Plug-in Hybrid Electric, Battery Electric and Fuel Cell Electric. The development of a successful hydrogen transport sector is an essential building block towards this goal. Within the scope of the bid, the initial prototype vehicles will be produced at the TMUK site in Burnaston during 2023. Following successful performance results, the target is to prepare for small series production. This project represents an exciting opportunity to investigate an additional application of Toyota’s fuel cell technology in a vehicle segment that is key to a number of industry groups and will help support the sector’s move towards decarbonisation.

About the Consortium:

Ricardo - a global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy that specialises in the transport, energy and scarce resources sectors. They will support the technical integration of the fuel cell components into the Hilux chassis. 

ETL - European Thermodynamics is committed to delivering high integrity thermal solutions through excellence in design and innovation. They will support in delivering state-of-the-art thermal management solutions.   

D2H - The D2H group of companies provides high technology engineering services in simulation, modelling, aerodynamics, thermodynamics and design for motorsport and other high-performance industries. Their thermodynamic expertise will be crucial to the project. 

Thatcham Research - Thatcham Research was established by the motor insurance industry in 1969, with the specific aim of containing or reducing the cost of motor insurance claims while maintaining safety standards. They will support in terms of crash safety and insurance ratings. 

When you get into a new taxi in Copenhagen in 2025, it should emit neither CO2 nor any kind of air pollution. This is the Danish government's objective for the taxi industry, which must take the lead in the green transition like public bus traffic, according to local politicians.

The app-based taxi service, DRIVR, is one of the taxi companies that is at the forefront of the green transition. As a customer it has long been possible to choose between hybrid, electric and hydrogen cars. Now DRIVR significantly increases the number of hydrogen taxis in the fleet and has put over 100 hydrogen taxis on the roads in Copenhagen at the beginning of November in collaboration with Toyota. All 100 cars are Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicles, the world's first mass-produced hydrogen car, only emitting water while driving.

After one of Denmark's largest public tenders for taxi services, the City of Copenhagen, has chosen DRIVR to handle the entire municipality's so-called ‘adhoc taxi service’. This means that children with disabilities, mentally challenged citizens, citizens on their way to the hospital, municipal employees on duty and politicians will in future be transported completely emission-free in hydrogen cars when driving by taxi.

Toyota, which has delivered the more than 100 hydrogen cars to DRIVR, generally reports a growing interest in hydrogen cars in the taxi industry and welcomes DRIVR's forward-looking approach to mobility.

DRIVR's over 100 hydrogen taxis have been launched as part of the European hydrogen for transport projects, Hydrogen Mobility Europe 2 (H2ME2) and Zero Emission Fleet vehicles For European Rollout (ZEFER), supported by The Hydrogen And Fuel Cell Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), in which both the City of Copenhagen, Toyota and the Hydrogen industry are partners. The project aims to spread hydrogen solutions for transport across the EU and has contributed to both wagons and hydrogen refueling stations in Denmark.

Since 2019,TME has integrated Toyota’s fuel cell technology, including fuel cell stacks, hydrogen tanks and other key components, into the hydrogen city buses manufactured by CaetanoBus. More recently, in December 2020, Toyota Caetano Portugal (TCAP) became the direct shareholder of CaetanoBus to support rapid expansion from its core bus business into the development and sales of zero-emission buses.

Over the past year, the Portuguese bus company has reinforced its international presence with surging sales of its zero emission buses throughout Europe. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of CaetanoBus’ engineering capability and cutting-edge technology of its zero emission products in the competitive European bus market.

The H2.City Gold is the CaetanoBus’ hydrogen powered electric bus using Toyota’s fuel cell system.

The city bus has a range of 400km and can be refuelled in under 9 minutes. This vehicle showcases both companies’ complementary technologies and engineering capabilities. It represents the first step in the co-branding strategy, which also includes the e.City Gold 100% electric bus. At the heart of the co-branding is a change of the vehicle badging to include both “Caetano” and “Toyota” logos, acknowledging Toyota’s strong visual recognition amongst European customers.

The cars are available in a new KINTO mobility station located at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, and as all other KINTO-cars, bookable via the KINTO-mobile app.

KINTO is part of Toyota’s global vision to provide all kinds of services related to the mobility of people, all around the world. KINTO Europe, established on 1st of April, was the latest step in the journey from mobility as a project to mobility as a business, with a view of truly delivering ‘Mobility for All’. In Europe, KINTO is already active in 10 countries: Germany, Italy, France, Spain, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Portugal and is expanding quickly.

Toyota Mirai was first introduced in 2014 in Japan and has been available in Europe since 2016. The second generation Mirai was launched in Europe earlier this year and is equipped with Toyota’s latest fuel cell technology, making it lighter, more compact, more efficient and even cheaper than before. Johan Lundbland comments:

The GEH2^® generator is also powering the Energy Observer village during its event at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Many companies which provide hydrogen energy and mobility solutions are presenting their vehicles and applications to demonstrate a sustainable and innovative perspective on the cities of tomorrow.

Multiple applications using Toyota hydrogen fuel cell technology are also on display, including the new Mirai, a city bus produced by CaetanoBus and the REXH2^® maritime range extender & the GEH2^® generator developed with EODev. These products are all in the market today, providing real-world solutions and raising awareness amongst governments, industry, media, customers and the public.

As the Official Mobility Partner for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris has a special significance for Toyota. During the Games, Toyota will provide zero-emission vehicles and advanced mobility products to highlight its commitment to zero-emission mobility solutions and “Mobility for All”.

As more European countries and cities announce strategic policies to promote the decarbonisation of mobility, it is expected that commercial vehicles, especially city buses will be electrified rapidly. Therefore, TME will further expand its commercial zero-emission mobility by leveraging CaetanoBus’s long-standing bus business and recent strong efforts in the development and sales of zero-emission buses.

Already today, TME is supplying the Toyota fuel cell technology to CaetanoBus and integrating it into their first hydrogen bus with a range of 400km. Triggered by this enhanced alliance, TME will initiate in the development, production and distribution of Toyota fuel cell buses to expand its zero emission mobility solutions to promote further growth of the hydrogen society.

Finlog, on the other hand, will develop a full operational lease program focused on the bus business. Using their know-how from passenger car full-service leasing, they are increasing their portfolio of zero-emission mobility solutions throughout European cities.

The interest in hydrogen is recently increasing as it becomes more evident that it has the potential to significantly contribute to CO₂ reduction in the transport and other sectors where pure electrification has its limits. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles are relevant for intense usage and long-distance drives as required by the EU Parliament, emitting nothing but water. The car will be fuelled at Air Liquid’s Hydrogen Station that was built on the grounds of Toyota’s Technical Centre in Zaventem and it will utilise the hydrogen station network of H2Mobility Germany when driving to Strasbourg.

This marks the first concrete step of a collaboration announced in September 2018 by Toyota’s European subsidiary, Toyota Motor Europe, and CaetanoBus SA, a major Portuguese bus engineering and production company, to build hydrogen fuel cell city buses.

Working since 2018, the teams at TME and CaetanoBus were able to develop the new hydrogen fuel cell bus, another step towards a hydrogen society, thanks to the strong effort and technical capability of the engineers while demonstrating the good adaptability of Toyota’s fuel cell technology beyond the Mirai passenger car.

The stack is located on the bus’s roof and is coupled to 5 hydrogen tanks with a total capacity of 37.5 kg, giving the bus a range of up to 400km. It can be refuelled with hydrogen pressurised at 350 bar in under 9 minutes, and its only emissions are water vapour.

This gives city bus operators a zero-emission solution without compromise in operation due to charging time or high load conditions. The trial bus will be operated in various European cities over the next months, before commercialisation mid 2020.

In line with its vision of a decarbonised society – as stated in its 2050 environmental challenge, Toyota is promoting the application of its hydrogen fuel cell technology beyond passenger cars, including heavy duty trucks, small delivery trucks, forklifts and buses.

¹ Depending on driving cycle, AC and heating requirements

² According to SAE J2601-2 & SAE J2799 (IR)

³ Busworld, the oldest and most famous bus and coach only exhibition in the world, celebrates its 25th edition at a new venue at Brussels Expo. The new CaetanoBus H2.Citygold bus can be seen at the CaetanoBus in booth 903A.

The CleverShuttle ridesharing service, will now launch in Hamburg (following Berlin, Leipzig and Munich) relying solely on the Toyota Mirai – the first mass-produced fuel cell saloon car. This fleet is therefore powered entirely by hydrogen making it completely free of harmful substances and CO₂ on the road.

The target customers are primarily train passengers looking for transport to and from train stations. The service is booked via an app, allowing grouping of passengers with similar routes. This means CleverShuttle can offer affordable prices, up to 40 per cent less than standard taxi prices.

For the second stage, just in time for Oktoberfest, Clevershuttle will also add 15 Toyota Mirai in Munich. This means visitors can travel from the train station to the famous folk festival emission-free.

“Handing over the Mirai is a momentous occasion for me”, explained Tom Fux, managing director and president of Toyota Deutschland GmbH. “We are proud that CleverShuttle chose us to be its trusted partner, relying solely on Toyota’s fuel-cell technology in Hamburg from now on. CleverShuttle has proven that using vehicles on an everyday basis, protecting the climate and keeping the air clean are not mutually exclusive. Instead we have formed an innovative, symbiotic relationship through the combination of clever technology and on-demand ride sharing.”

“We want to bring even more e-mobility to the street. Hydrogen and fuel cells provide a vital alternative and complement purely battery-powered vehicles”, explained Enak Ferlemann, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Transport. “In recent months, the number of public hydrogen fuel stations has nearly doubled. This is an impressive development and is increasing the level of driver trust when it comes to filling up in their area.”

CleverShuttle

CleverShuttle is a ride-sharing shuttle service that was founded in 2014.

Start of operations was in February 2016 (Initially Munich followed by Leipzig and Berlin).

For more information please visit http://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/detail/13965745/

Hydrogen: offering new business opportunities

Hydrogen offers many advantages as a clean source of energy. Besides providing the fuel to drive the Toyota Mirai, it also has the capability to absorb peaks in the power network at times when there is for example a surplus of energy and demand is low. Stedin wants to further research the business opportunities that hydrogen has to offer. When receiving the keys of the Toyota Mirai, Frans van de Noort, Director of Operations Stedin, commented: "We want to make our company fleet more sustainable: by 2020 we want our company fleet to mainly consist of zero emissions cars. This is quite a challenge, because we have 1,700 vans, 900 passenger cars and 600 privately leased cars, representing one of the largest commercial fleets in the country. We do rely on full electric vehicles. However, we also realise that hydrogen is an interesting alternative. With these Mirai cars, we want to see for ourselves if this technology is working and if there is widespread support for this new type of vehicle within the company."

With support from Dutch Government

Sales of the Toyota Mirai in the Netherlands will start this month. With its fiscal policy, the Dutch Government has clearly marked their support towards the market launch of this new hydrogen technology. Customers can capitalize on many fiscal benefits, such as: exemption of luxury taxes and road tax up to and including 2020, and a benefit in kind tax of only 4% for private use of a company car, given the fact that the Toyota Mirai is a zero emission vehicle. 

Toyota Mirai contributor to ambitious 2050 Toyota Environmental Challenge

Toyota has made a clear commitment to reduce the CO₂ emissions of its new vehicles by 90% in 2050 (versus 2010 levels). We believe hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be essential to achieve our ambitious targets. Toyota has been engaged in the research and development of automotive hydrogen fuel cell technology for over 20 years. The result of this hard work is the Toyota Mirai, a remarkable zero emission car with a driving range of up to 550 km that can be refueled in 3 to 5 minutes. Toyota started commercializing the Mirai in December 2014 and to date has delivered cars in Japan, the United States, Germany, UK, Denmark, Belgium and Norway with Sweden to follow later this year.

Pioneering Uno-X Hydrogen relies on renewable energy to produce hydrogen
One of the major advantages being that driving the Toyota Mirai is completely emission free, the process to produce the fuel for the car is not fully yet. Uno-X Hydrogen is stepping up to the plate: the first of the 20 planned stations will use the surplus solar energy produced from the solar panels on the roof of the neighbouring energy-positive office building. After receiving the keys of the Toyota Mirai, Roger Hertzenberg, Managing Director of Uno-X Hydrogen commented: “Today we are very excited to receive the new Toyota Mirai with zero emissions. Uno-X wants to contribute to making hydrogen cars a real alternative for all households. We are happy to see that the majority in the Parliament has agreed to a support program for hydrogen infrastructure. This means that we can start building stations as the cars are coming to the market.”

Governmental support for both hydrogen cars and stations
The Norwegian government recently not only confirmed its support to a nationwide network of hydrogen refueling stations, it has also set up programs with the aim to reach sales of 50,000 hydrogen cars by 2025. The program offers many incentives that will make fuel cell cars even more attractive: these cars are exempt from registration taxes and value added tax, which can be very high in the country. Additionally, cost of ownership is further reduced for Norwegian fuel cell car drivers thanks to free toll roads and ferries, free public parking, access to bus lanes and 50 % company car tax.

Toyota Mirai contributor to ambitious 2050 Toyota Environmental Challenge
During a small ceremony that followed the delivery of the Mirai to Uno-X Hydrogen, Espen Olsen, General Manager PR from Toyota Norway said: “We are pleased that the first Mirai in Norway will be delivered to Uno-X hydrogen, a company that will contribute strongly to build a comprehensive hydrogen fueling network in Norway. Toyota has made a clear commitment to reduce the CO2 emissions of its new vehicles by 90% in 2050 (versus 2010 levels). We believe hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be essential to achieve our ambitious targets.”

Toyota has been engaged in the research and development of automotive hydrogen fuel cell technology for over 20 years. The result of this hard work is the Toyota Mirai, a remarkable zero emission car with a driving range of up to 550 km that can be refueled in 3 to 5 minutes. Toyota started commercializing the Mirai in 2015 and to date has delivered cars in Japan, California, Germany, UK, Denmark and Belgium with the Netherlands and Sweden to follow later this year. Toyota is now continuing its Mirai roll-out in Norway.

After receiving the keys of the Toyota Mirai, Filip Smeets, Managing Director of Hydrogenics Belgium commented:”As a pioneering company in the field of renewable hydrogen, we are delighted to be the first customer of the Toyota Mirai in Belgium. We are convinced that hydrogen mobility will become the most attractive green mobility option, thanks to an extended driving range and short refueling time. We are now actively preparing the hydrogen refueling infrastructure to ensure people can easily refuel their hydrogen cars in Belgium and all across Europe. We aim to inspire others to also take actions to help mitigate the impact of climate change.

The Flemish government has confirmed its support to open 20 public hydrogen refueling stations in Flanders by 2020, which would be sufficient to offer a hydrogen refueling station to everyone in Flanders within a radius of 25 km. Like battery electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are exempt from registration fees and traffic tax in Flanders.

Bart Tommelein, Vice-Minister-President of the Flemish Government, Flemish Minister for Budget, Finance and Energy, said at this occasion: “Green vehicles are the future. Helping to bring a solution to particulate pollution and contributing to a better air quality for us, our children and grandchildren, fuel cell cars have a mayor role to play. The main advantage is that they do no emit emissions other than water vapour. This makes them more environmentally friendly than cars on petrol or diesel. That is why we stimulate the purchase of green cars within the Flemish Government. The handover of the Mirai, Toyota’s first fuel cell car, to Hydrogenics is another step forward in greening the car fleet in our country.”

Toyota has been engaged in the research and development of automotive hydrogen fuel cell technology for over 20 years. The result of this hard work is the Toyota Mirai, a remarkable zero emission car with a driving range of up to 550km that can be refueled in 3 to 5 minutes. Toyota started commercializing the Mirai in 2015 and to date has delivered cars in Japan, California, Germany, UK and Denmark. Toyota is now continuing its Mirai roll-out in Belgium, following the opening of the first public hydrogen refueling station in the country in April 2016.

During a small ceremony that followed the delivery of the Mirai to Hydrogenics, David Willems, Marketing Director from Toyota Belgium said: “We are pleased that the first Mirai in Belgium will be delivered to Hydrogenics, a leader in hydrogen technology. Toyota has made a clear commitment to reduce the CO₂ emissions of its new vehicles by 90% in 2050 (versus 2010 levels). We believe hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be essential to achieve our ambitious targets.”

Notes to the editors:
Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA (TME) oversees the wholesale sales and marketing of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, parts and accessories, and Toyota’s European manufacturing and engineering operations. Toyota directly employs around 20,000 people in Europe and has invested over EUR 9 billion since 1990. Toyota’s operations in Europe are supported by a network of 30 National Marketing and Sales Companies across 53 countries, a total of around 3,000 sales outlets, and nine manufacturing plants. In 2015, Toyota sold 873,844 Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Europe. For more information, visit www.toyota-europe.com

"Toyota is convinced that many partners are needed on the way towards a sustainable, hydrogen-based society. For this reason, I am particularly pleased to hand out the keys of these first two Mirai in the Netherlands to Mrs. Dijksma in person” said Mr Nagata. “We feel this is particularly timely, as the Netherlands hold the Presidency of the European Council.”

Pieter van der Velden, Director General of Louwman and Parqui - the Dutch Toyota importer - commented: “We are delighted with the delivery of the two Mirai vehicles to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment. Following the Prius Hybrid 15 years ago, and the extended hybrid product range that we offer today, Mirai represents yet another milestone towards clean mobility. We applaud the announcement made by the Secretary of State on the further expansion of hydrogen infrastructure in the Netherlands”.

Mirai is the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell sedan, benefiting from Toyota research and development of the fuel cell technology spanning for over two decades, and world-leading experience in hybrid vehicle power systems. Using hydrogen gas to generate electricity within a fuel cell stack, Mirai produces no tailpipe emissions other than water. Spacious, refined, comfortable and safe, it combines its advanced technology with superb practicality: a full-tank driving range of around 500 kilometres bears comparison with a petrol-powered car and the refuelling process only takes about three minutes to complete.

There are courtesy smiles, pretend smiles and normal happy smiles. Then there are the unique, genuine smiles, which say more than a thousand words. Such a smile filled the face of Jacob Krogsgaard when he received the keys to his brand new fuel cell vehicle Toyota Mirai, accompanied by his wife, Rikke, and their two children Johanne and Andrea, seven and three years old, as the first Mirai- customer in Denmark.

Jacob ordered the zero-emission fuel cell vehicle several months ago shortly after he learned that Toyota decided to introduce the Toyota Mirai in Denmark, as one of the first countries in the world. He has been looking forward to this day like a child looking forward to Christmas.

"In reality, this is much better than Christmas", Jacob Krogsgaard states with a big smile on his face casting another glance at his new white fuel cell vehicle. In the background his two daughters do not seem to completely agree with that.

Kristian Krapper, President of Toyota Denmark, handed-over the car keys to Mr. Krogsgaard and his family at the Toyota-dealer STS Biler in Herning in Denmark.

"I am very proud to be the first Mirai-customer in Denmark. It is without a doubt the car of the future, and I am looking forward to driving around together with my family knowing that the only emission from the car is water vapour", Jacob Krogsgaard says.

He is engineer and CEO at the hydrogen refuelling station manufacturer H2 Logic and therefore also very interested in the technology in general.

"It is a very special day. Not only for Toyota and for Jacob and his family. But in truth also for Denmark as a country. This is the first big step on a very exciting journey to the zero-emission vehicle fleet", Kristian Krapper from Toyota Denmark says.

After years of research and development towards the ultimate goal - the zero-emission vehicle that neither has an impact on the climate nor the environment - it is no coincidence that Toyota has chosen Denmark as one of the first countries in the world to introduce the innovative fuel cell vehicle.

Fuel cell vehicles are exempt from registration fees at least until 2019 in Denmark. In addition, as the only country in the world, Denmark has a nationwide network of hydrogen refuelling stations with a total of seven stations in operation across the country. With a range of more than 500 km on a full tank it is thus now possible to drive Mirai from one end of the country to another.

Mirai is the world's first hydrogen fuel cell sedan, benefiting from Toyota research and development of the fuel cell technology spanning for over two decades, and world-leading experience in hybrid vehicle power systems. Using hydrogen gas to generate electricity within a fuel cell stack, Mirai produces no tailpipe emissions other than water. Even the hydrogen, that is being used to refuel the car, is produced 100% in Denmark by wind turbines which are renewable green energy.

The Toyota Mirai is spacious, refined, comfortable and safe, it combines its advanced technology with superb practicality: a full-tank driving range of around 500 kilometres bears comparison with a petrol-powered car and the refuelling process only takes about three minutes to complete.

Denmark is among the first wave of markets in Europe for Mirai, together with the U.K., Germany and Belgium.

Notes to the editors:

H2 Logic:

H2 Logic A/S is a leading manufacturer of H2Station® hydrogen refueling stations that provides fuel cell electric vehicles with the same fast fueling and long range as conventional vehicles today. Since incorporation in 2003 H2 Logic has invested significantly in RandD that has brought H2Station® to a level where products are offered for the early market for roll-out of larger networks of hydrogen refuelling stations. Today H2 Logic is one among few global leaders on fast refueling for FCEVs. H2Station® technology is in operation in several European countries providing hydrogen fueling on daily basis for fuel cell electric vehicles from major car manufacturers. H2 Logic was one among the first to achieve fast fueling of hydrogen in compliance with the SAE J2601 standard that is required by the major car manufacturers. The standard ensures a fast and reliable fueling of hydrogen at 70MPa pressure, which provides long driving range. In Denmark H2 Logic has delivered H2Station® technology for the entire country network of hydrogen fueling stations that is operated in collaboration with leading oil, energy and gas companies. Besides providing fast fueling H2Station® technology also has a long proven track-record of reliable operation with more than 99% availability — one among the highest recorded in the world for a scattered network of 24 hour public available hydrogen fuelling stations.

http://h2logic.com/

The mayor visited Toyota's headquarters today during a three-day trade mission to Japan and took the opportunity to test drive Mirai.

He said: "It is fantastic that London will benefit from these new state-of-the-art hydrogen vehicles. By embracing this technology of the future, we aim to consolidate hydrogen's role as a practical alternative fuel for the 21st century and beyond. I am sure that Transport for London will provide the ideal environment for us to see everything Mirai can do and, in doing so, take another great step towards improving air quality in our city and protecting the health of Londoners."

The mayor also discussed London's position as a market for alternative fuel cars with Toyota senior management.

Paul Van der Burgh, Toyota (GB) PLC President and Managing Director said: "We have been delighted to welcome the Mayor of London to our headquarters in Japan to see for himself Toyota's commitment to sustainable mobility. Toyota believes in hydrogen as a key enabler for building a future zero emissions society and we applaud the mayor's commitment to embracing new technology in his mission to make London a leading global city for low-emission, low-carbon transport."

"The success of hydrogen will require constructive dialogue and action, bringing together industry, national governments and city authorities like London to share and develop skills and experience and to communicate the benefits that can be delivered to business and to individuals. Our Mirai fuel cell vehicle is a milestone in the history of the motor car and opens up unprecedented opportunities for cleaner, sustainable transport. Transport for London and the city it serves will provide the ideal environment for Mirai to demonstrate the significant potential of hydrogen as a practical alternative fuel for the next century and beyond."

Transport for London is in the first group of UK Mirai customers, together with private car service Greentomatocars and hydrogen energy system manufacturer ITM Power.

United Kingdom has been chosen to be one of the three European "first wave" countries along with Germany and Denmark to start selling the fuel cell sedan as of this month. Belgium has been announced to join the three countries in the first half of 2016 as the hydrogen infrastructure develops.

For green technology to contribute to the environment, it needs to become widespread. Toyota has already taken the initiative in popularising Hybrid Vehicles. With the Mirai, Toyota is bringing an innovation greater than that of the first-generation Prius to market, and will do all it can to popularise the Mirai and the associated FCV technology.

Notes to the editors:

*Transport for London — is a local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London.

Prius means "to go before" — a precursor to a new era of electrified mobility. Today, the first production Toyota Mirai — meaning "the future" in Japanese — destined for the European market has arrived, and, like its elder, it is here to pioneer the next step in clean mobility, using hydrogen as fuel and emitting nothing but water vapour.

The first five Mirai cars were unloaded in Bristol, UK and Zeebrugge, Belgium, respectively on 8 and 10 August.

"This marks the debut of a new age for clean mobility -- a turning point in the history of automobiles. With Mirai, Toyota is working on bringing clean, safe and enjoyable mobility for the next 100 years, thanks to fuel cell technology. We are looking forward to the start of delivery of the first Mirai to customers from September and to see the future taking shape on European roads. As with Prius 15 years ago, we are proud to bring yet another groundbreaking innovation to Europe with Mirai", said Mr Karl Schlicht, Executive Vice-President Toyota Motor Europe.

The Toyota Mirai is the world's first mass-produced fuel cell sedan. After its first public display in Europe in March at the Geneva Motor Show, today marks its debut on European ground. Already sold in Japan since last December, the Toyota Mirai will be launched in Europe from September in the UK, Denmark and Germany¹.

With Mirai, Toyota is at the forefront of the fuel cell development thanks to our advanced engineering capabilities and our deep knowledge and experience of Hybrid technology. Mirai will allow us to grow awareness, knowledge and acceptance of the fuel cell technology and to promote the development of the required hydrogen infrastructure. It will also help us understand customer experience with the new technology, with trailblazers who want to drive the hydrogen movement forward

Mirai uses the pioneering Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology, and includes Toyota's new proprietary fuel cell stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.

Using hydrogen as fuel to generate electricity, Mirai achieves superior environment performance with no CO2 emissions or pollutants when driving, and the same level of convenience and autonomy as gasoline engine vehicles, with a generous cruising range and a hydrogen refuelling time of about three to five minutes.

Sales outline Europe

Launch : September 2015

Markets : UK, D, DK for 2015, more markets to be added from 2017 as the hydrogen infrastructure develops

Annual volume : 50-100 cars/year in 2015 and 2016

Price : 66,000&euro + VAT (Germany)

Note : ¹ Sales will begin in regions where hydrogen stations are in place, starting with Germany, UK and Denmark.

The Mirai signals the start of a new age of vehicles. Using hydrogen - an important future energy source - as fuel to generate electricity, the Mirai achieves superior environmental performance with the convenience and driving pleasure expected of any car.

Mirai

The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology, and includes Toyota's new proprietary FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. The TFCS is more energy efficient than internal combustion engines and emits no CO₂ or pollutants when driven. Drivers can also expect the same level of convenience as offered by gasoline engine vehicles, with a generous cruising range and a hydrogen refueling time of about three minutes³.

The Mirai delivers everything expected of a next-generation car: an immediately recognizable design driving exhilaration stemming from superior handling stability achieved by a low center of gravity and quiet but powerful acceleration provided by the electric motor.

Hydrogen can be generated using a wide range of natural resources and man-made byproducts such as sewage sludge. It can also be created from water using natural renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. When compressed, it has a higher energy density than batteries, and is relatively easy to store and transport, therefore it also carries expectations for potential future use in power generation and a wide range of other applications. FCVs are able to generate their own electricity from hydrogen, meaning they can help make a future hydrogen-based society a reality, and are therefore expected to further contribute to accelerating energy diversification.

Sales Outline Europe

Launch: September 2015

Markets: UK, D, DK for 2015, more markets to be added for 2017

Annual volume: 50 — 100 cars/year in 2015 and 2016

Price: around 66,000 &euro + VAT (Germany)

Production Plant

Motomachi Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

Vehicle Outline

1. TFCS provides superior environmental performance and convenience

The Mirai features the TFCS, a fusion of fuel cell technology with hybrid technology.

The system provides better energy efficiency than internal combustion engines, superior environmental performance with no emissions of CO₂ or pollutants when driving, and the same level of convenience and autonomy as gasoline engine vehicles, and a hydrogen refuelling time of about three minutes³.

The system uses Toyota-developed components including the Toyota FC Stack, FC boost converter, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.

Toyota FC Stack

The new Toyota FC Stack achieves a maximum output of 114 kW (155 DIN hp). Electricity generation efficiency has been enhanced through the use of 3D fine mesh flow channels⁴ (a world first⁵), which ensure uniform generation of electricity on cell surfaces, providing compact size and a high level of performance, and a world-leading⁵ power output density of 3.1 kW/L (2.2 times higher than that of the previous Toyota FCHV-adv limited-lease model).

The amount of water on fuel cell electrolyte membranes has a substantial influence on electricity generation efficiency. Control of the amount of water is carried out using an internal circulation system for circulating the water created when generating electricity, meaning the Toyota FC Stack is a world-leading⁵ system that, unlike systems used in all other previous Toyota fuel cell vehicles, does not require the use of a humidifier.

FC Boost Converter

A new compact, high-efficiency, high-capacity converter has been developed to boost power generated in the Toyota FC Stack to 650 volts. Increasing the voltage has made it possible to reduce the size of the electric motor and the number of Toyota FC Stack fuel cells, leading to a smaller, higher-performance Toyota Fuel Cell System, thereby reducing system costs.

High-pressure Hydrogen Tanks

Tanks with a three-layer structure made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and other materials are used to store hydrogen at a very high pressure of 70 MPa (70 megapascals, or approximately 700 bar). Compared to the high pressure hydrogen tanks used in the Toyota FCHV-adv model, tank storage has been increased by approximately 20 percent while both weight and size have been reduced to achieve a world-leading⁵ 5.7 wt%⁶.

Key Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS) Specifications

2. Safe and secure vehicle design with comprehensive range of safety features

FCV safety measures

The Mirai was designed with safety as a top priority, based on the basic approach of ensuring that hydrogen does not leak, and in the unlikely event that any leaks do occur, ensuring immediate detection and stoppage of hydrogen flow and preventing accumulation of hydrogen within the car body.

• Development of high pressure hydrogen tanks with excellent hydrogen permeation prevention performance, strength, and durability
• Hydrogen sensors provide warnings and can shut off tank main stop valves
• Hydrogen tanks and other hydrogen-related parts are located outside the cabin to ensure that if hydrogen leaks, it will dissipate easily

Use of features such as a structure that efficiently disperses and absorbs impact energy across multiple parts ensures a high impact safety performance that protects the Toyota FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks during frontal, side or rear impacts.

The Toyota FC Stack frame is constructed from a newly-developed thermoplastic carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, which is light, strong, and easily mass-produced. This protects the Toyota FC Stack by absorbing impact shocks from road bumps and other road interference.

A full range of advanced safety equipment appropriate for next-generation vehicles

Standard inclusion of advanced safety technologies:

• A Pre-collision System (with millimeter-wave radar) helps prevent collisions or reduce collision damage through alerts and brake control if a high likelihood of collision is detected.
• A Lane Departure Alert system uses a camera to detect white or yellow lane markings and alerts the driver when the vehicle is about to deviate from its lane.
• Drive-start Control limits sudden starts or sudden acceleration during gear-shift operation.
• A Blind Spot Monitor uses radar to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and helps rear view confirmation when changing lanes.

3. Mirai's immediately recognizable design

Exterior

A new technique has been employed in the front face design to emphasize the left and right grilles that draw in air for the oxygen supply and for FC system cooling. The novel front face underscores the vehicle's individuality.

The elegant side profile evokes the flowing shape of a droplet of water to express the vehicle's characteristic of drawing in air and emitting water. The roof-side rails and hood appear to pop out of the body to create the impression of a low-to-the-ground vehicle while communicating a futuristic feeling.

The rear of the vehicle presents a bold profile with a trapezoidal shape extending from the license plate garnish to the bottom of the bumper corners and out toward the wheels, while the top of the bumper emphasizes width and expresses a powerfully stable stance. It also creates an agile and clean impression of air passing through and under the bumper.

The headlights exhibit high-tech and sophisticated luxury through a novel design that presents an ultra-thin profile with an inline arrangement of four LED lights plus visible heat sinks and other optical equipment. The front turn signals and clearance lights are separate from the headlights, contributing to an ultra-thin headlight profile at the same time as merging with the side grilles. This creates an advanced clean design with aerodynamics that improve airflow.

The Mirai comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels that have been made lighter using an engraving process⁷.

Six body colors are available.

Interior

The Mirai's profile connects the front and rear in a seamlessly pleasant expression of space. It creates a sophisticated cabin space with soft padding on door trims and other interior surfaces, and a high-luminance silver finish throughout.

The front seats provide superior body fit and hold through an integrated cover/seat foaming production process⁸. Eight-way adjustable power seats for achieving the optimal seat position and a motorized lumbar support function are installed as standard on the driver's and passenger's seats.

The center meter cluster located in the central top level of the instrument panel includes a speedometer and multi-information display using a 4.2-inch high-definition TFT liquid crystal display with a design that appears to pop out. The driver is able to change the display using steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Seat heater switches and other controls are operated via an electrostatic air conditioning control panel by lightly touching the flat panel display.

Functions that provide a comfortable interior space come as standard, such as a steering wheel heater and seat heaters (two temperature settings on all seats) that provide instant heat while greatly reducing power consumption, fully automatic left and right independent temperature control air conditioning with eco mode switches, and "Nanoe"¹⁰ air purification technology to fill the cabin with fresh air.

Three interior colors are available, including Warm White.

Package

Battery layout enables abundant trunk storage space.

4. Superior handling stability and outstanding quietness enhances driving pleasure

The high output Toyota FC Stack and optimal battery power control drive the electric motor and ensure powerful responsiveness at all vehicle speeds. This provides an immediate increase in torque at the first press of the accelerator, and powerful and smooth acceleration thereafter.

Handling stability and ride comfort are both improved through the location of major parts such as the Toyota FC Stack and high pressure hydrogen tanks centrally under the floor to achieve a low center of gravity and superior front-and-rear weight distribution, as well as the use of a high-rigidity body, which features enhanced rigidity around the rear suspension.

The full under-floor cover and aerodynamically designed clearance lights reduce wind resistance and contribute to improved fuel efficiency and handling stability. Aero fins employed at the side of the rear combination lamps also improve straight-driving stability.

Outstanding quietness is achieved by electric motor drive at all speeds and reduced wind noise, plus full sealing of all body parts, and the use of sound-absorbing and sound-blocking materials optimally arranged around the cabin, including the use of noise-reducing glass for the windshield and all door windows.

The "Bs" (brake support) mode makes efficient use of regenerative braking and improves braking performance when the driver wishes to greatly reduce vehicle speed such as when negotiating long downhill sections of road.

Mirai Main Vehicle Specifications

¹Japanese for future

²Sales will begin in areas where hydrogen stations are in place and in surrounding areas.

³As 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.

⁴Channels arranged in a fine three-dimensional lattice structure. Enhances the dispersion of air (oxygen) thereby enabling uniform generation of electricity on cell surfaces.

⁵As of November 2014, according to TMC research.

⁶Hydrogen storage mass per tank weight

⁷Manufacturing process used to reduce the weight of aluminum wheels. Metal is shaved from the intersecting line between the disk and rim to reduce the weight of each aluminum wheel by approximately 500 grams.

⁸In the previous process, seat pads were molded separately and then covered. In the foaming process, the seat covers are placed into molds and urethane material is directly inserted into them.

⁹A trademark of Panasonic Electric Works Co. Ltd.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology remains a key part of Toyota's multi-dimensional approach to developing the "ultimate eco-car", offering sustainable solutions to the concerns of energy supply and transport emissions.

"Toyota has been active in fuel cell technology for the last 20 years and we are working to commercialise our next-generation fuel cell car by 2015," commented Michel Gardel, Vice-President Communications, External and Environment Affairs of Toyota Motor Europe.

Toyota actively supports initiatives in Germany, the Nordics and the United Kingdom to support market introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles and refuelling stations. Germany, for example, has announced the 14 stations currently available should be increased to 50 sites by 2015. Other European countries like France or the Netherlands are also analysing the potential of hydrogen mobility.

During the event, MEPs, political advisors and other stakeholders will test drive six different models of fuel cell electric vehicles by Toyota, Daimler, Honda, Hyundai, Intelligent Energy and Opel. Participants will also have the opportunity to watch the refuelling process at a fully mobile and compact hydrogen station, the first of its kind in the city of Strasbourg, provided for the occasion by Air Liquide.

"The future of European transport is very high on the European Parliament's agenda. We need to find ways to make our transport system more sustainable and environmentally responsible while contributing to the economic recovery and growth in Europe. Deployment of practical and efficient clean technologies is an indispensable part of the solution for a low-carbon transport system. Europe can't miss this opportunity," stated Brian Simpson, MEP and Chair of the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee, ahead of the event.

Toyota believes that hydrogen fuel cell technology plays an important part in the company's multi-path approach to developing the "ultimate eco-car" which offers a sustainable solution to the issues of energy supply and transport emissions (1). In Germany, Toyota is already heavily involved in the Clean Energy Partnership to develop customer acceptance of fuel cell vehicles, while testing and further developing the technology.

Furthermore, during the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota will display the FCV-R (Fuel Cell Vehicle - Reality & Revolution), a new sedan-type vehicle concept fuelled by hydrogen. This concept model represents the next step towards the commercial launch of a Toyota hydrogen fuel cell vehicle by 2015.

During the Drive 'n Ride event, more than 100 European Union officials, Members of European Parliament and other high-level stakeholders will have the opportunity to experience the reality of clean technology by driving or riding in several fuel cell vehicles, including Toyota's latest fuel cell prototype, the FCHV-adv (Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle-advanced). In addition, for the first time in Brussels, a fully mobile and compact hydrogen station will demonstrate the refuelling process.

For the past four years, the Drive 'n Ride campaign has been visibly promoting hydrogen fuel cell vehicles throughout Brussels and raising awareness to the challenges remaining for the full commercialisation and build-up of hydrogen infrastructure in Europe.

At this year's edition of Drive 'n Ride, Daimler, Honda, Intelligent Energy, Linde, Opel and Toyota will join forces to offer an exclusive 30-minute test-drive to demonstrate the comfort of clean driving, environmental benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology as well as their full performance in terms of driving range, refuelling time and vehicle size.

For more information about the Drive 'n Ride, please visit: http://www.eurocalendar.eu/november/786-drive-n-ride-2011

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Notes to the editors: 

(1) More detailed information about Toyota's approach towards developing the ultimate eco-car can be found in the "Toyota and the Environment" brochure (direct link: http://bit.ly/ohW7Sb) and "Toyota European Sustainability Report 2011" (direct link: http://www.toyota.eu/sustainability/).

About Toyota FCHV-adv (Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle-advanced):

Toyota developed the first FCHV in 2002. The current FCHV-adv can achieve an estimated New European Driving Cycle range of 650 kilometres and can operate in temperatures as low as -30°C.