Read the full press release on global.toyota

Toyota has joined forces with its logistics providers - Vos Transport Group, CEVA Logistics, Groupe CAT, and Yusen Logistics - to introduce the zero tailpipe emission* heavy duty trucks to its logistics operations. Toyota, together with these logistics providers, will continuously evaluate the performance of the fuel cell trucks in the daily operations of Toyota Parts Centre Europe, which processes more than 500,000 parts and accessories every day.

The 40-tonne fuel cell truck delivers similar performance as a diesel truck, but with zero tailpipe emissions on similar routes, as its motor is powered by electricity generated from hydrogen combined with oxygen. With one single refuelling, the vehicle can travel up to 400 km under real-world driving conditions. Additionally, the vibration-free electric motor reduces disturbance to the community the truck passes through, while significantly improving driving comfort.

* ^{’Zero tailpipe emissions’ refers to the powertrain where no greenhouse gases or harmful particles are emitted by the tailpipe while driving. Only H₂O is emitted by the tailpipe. Emissions may still exist at other stages of the product lifecycle (extraction, manufacturing, logistics, maintenance, recycling/scrapping…) but also during use (tyres, brakes...) and the production of hydrogen, depending on its source.}

The nine-year journey, titled ‘In Search of Carbon Neutrality,’ will further explore and develop a range of technical solutions for sustainable and decarbonised marine transport.

From 2025 to 2026, the first Energy Observer laboratory vessel will continue its missions in Europe. The Toyota Fuel Cell System has been playing a key role in the vessel’s carbon-free energy chain, generating zero-emission* power onboard. This initiative demonstrates innovative approaches to decarbonising both marine propulsion and onboard energy systems.

In 2027, the Energy Observer 3, a new-generation expedition catamaran will take over, marking a new stage in the quest for a maritime energy transition. In preparation for this milestone, Energy Observer and Toyota are joining forces to study and explore the integration of the Toyota Fuel Cell System into the vessel’s innovative energy architecture, which combines multiple complementary renewable energy sources, including hydrogen.

Toyota believes that achieving carbon neutrality requires a multi-pathway approach - one that leverages diverse energy sources and complementary technologies.

During its first odyssey, the Energy Observer sailed over 68,000 nautical miles - more than three times around the globe, proving the viability of a renewable energy mix: hydrogen, solar and wind.

One of the challenges for expanding hydrogen supply infrastructure is the need for hydrogen dispensers that can refuel both light-duty and heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles faster.

The new Twin Mid Flow Technology addresses this challenge by incorporating a higher-flow dual nozzle, allowing one hydrogen dispenser to refuel heavy-duty vehicles in less than 10 minutes and light-duty vehicles in less than 5 minutes. This innovation eliminates the need for two different types of dispensers at each refuelling station.

The practical benefit is that a 40-tonne truck will be able to refuel for a 600km range in just 8 minutes and for a 900km range in only 12 minutes.

The installation cost of such hydrogen refuelling stations will be significantly lower, which will help accelerate their deployment in line with the target set out by European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) to deploy publicly accessible hydrogen stations at every 200km along the TEN-T networks by 2030.

Through the newly signed agreement, Toyota will provide a test bench and a truck equipped with the Twin Mid Flow Technology.  Hydrogen Refueling Solutions and ENGIE will develop new-generation hydrogen refuelling stations compatible with this innovation, which will be tested in the RHeaDHy project as from the fourth quarter of 2025. 

NOTE: The hydrogen dispensers in the images are not representative of the actual one, which is yet to be developed by Hydrogen Refueling Solutions for the RHeaDHy project.

About Hydrogen Refuelling Solutions (HRS)

Hydrogen Refuelling Solutions is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-capacity hydrogen refuelling stations. HRS offers a complete and unique range of modular and scalable stations, manufactured on its industrial side in Grenoble, France. Its premises include a test area, the only one of its kind in Europe, to test and trial the range of stations and develop future products and solutions for the hydrogen mobility market.

Public relations contact : ACTUS finance & communication | Anne-Charlotte DUDICOURT | hrs-presse@actus.fr | Tel:+33  (0)1 53 67 36 32

About ENGIE

ENGIE is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. With its 97,000 employees, clients, partners and stakeholders, the Group strives every day to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by its purpose statement, ENGIE reconciles economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on its key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to its clients.

Coordinator of RHeaDHy project, ENGIE Lab CRIGEN, its research and innovation center, explores advanced energy technologies in many fields, particularly in hydrogen. It contributes to the development of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution solutions to support the energy transition.

Public relations contact: ENGIE HQ Press contact: Tel. France : +33 (0)1 44 22 24 35 Email: engiepress@engie.com

About RHeaDHy

The EU-funded RHeaDHy project (Refuelling Heavy Duty with very High flow Hydrogen) aims to develop high-performance hydrogen refuelling stations for heavy-duty vehicles. The project focuses on creating and testing new protocols to refuel 700 bar hydrogen trucks with 100 kg of hydrogen within 10 minutes.

This project is part of the EU's efforts to decarbonize freight transport and support the hydrogen truck market by establishing a robust refuelling station network.

The RHeaDHy project received funding from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership under grant agreement no. 101101443, with backing from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.

Contact for RHeaDHy: Project coordinator | Reda BELLAHCENE | reda.bellahcene@engie.com | Tel:+33  (0)6 63 77 30 57

Public information on the Horizon Europe RHeaDHy project

Vice President Toyota Motor Europe, Sales & Value Chain, Toyota Sales & Marketing

Dear Ladies & Gentlemen,

Good morning and welcome to Toyota. My name is Tom Fux, and I am Vice President of Toyota Motor Europe for Sales, Marketing and Value Chain.

Today, we are thrilled to present our European Commercial Vehicle strategy and ambitions.

Our global company vision of providing mobility solutions for every customer and leaving no one behind also applies to our commercial vehicle range. Indeed, I am very pleased to announce that as from today, Toyota offers a full and electrified product range to meet every customer’s need.

First, let’s have a look at Toyota’s commercial vehicle business in Europe so far.

Our story dates back to the 60s, when we launched the legendary Hilux & Hiace in Europe. Since then, they gained a worldwide reputation for quality, durability & reliability.

Back in 2016, we entered into a strategic partnership with Stellantis for commercial vehicles, starting with the Toyota PROACE. Since then, we have enjoyed year-on-year growth in Europe - both in terms of sales and market share.

We strengthened our product line-up with the PROACE CITY at the end of 2019. And, in 2021, we introduced the PROACE and PROACE CITY Electric.

Last year we achieved record sales of 140,000 units representing a record market share of 5.7%.

So far, we were covering the pick-up, CDV and MDV segments, with the Hilux, PROACE CITY and PROACE, which represents 70% of the LCV market.

However, Toyota was still missing the offer in the heavy-duty segment. This segment accounts for around 30% of total LCV market. To answer the demand of our customers, we are now announcing a newcomer to our range.

A completely new model for Toyota .... the PROACE MAX.

PROACE MAX completes our commercial offer… and, with its wide range of body varieties, it provides many new business opportunities for us … and our customers. 

PROACE MAX has been shortlisted for the 2025 International Van of The Year.

So - how does this translate into our mid-term ambitions?

Well, we want Toyota Professional to become an even more credible LCV brand in Europe… and we are aiming for a top 6 position by further growing our market share to 7% and reaching an annual sales volume of 180,000 units.

To achieve these goals, we have developed Toyota LCV strategy based on 4 pillars:

We will offer a strong and competitive product range…

We will take care of our customers every step of the way…

We will provide market-leading commercial vehicle services and expertise.

And we will roll-out dedicated Toyota Professional Centres across Europe to provide the right customer journey. 

Thanks to the new PROACE MAX, our Toyota Professional line-up is now complete, allowing us to offer a full product range to our customers.

Toyota Professional is more than just vehicles.

Customers choosing Toyota Professional enjoy a wide range of products and services including:

Toyota Relax warranty service…whenever their vehicle is serviced at an authorized Toyota retailer, customers obtain a new warranty for 1 additional year, up to 10 years or 185,000 km. Here in Germany, we extended the warranty even up to 15 years.

We also plan to minimise vehicle downtime offering the Express Service, performing regular maintenance with two expert technicians.

And, of course, on top of these programmes, we are offering tailor-made financial services and products provided by KINTO, Toyota Financial Services and Toyota Insurance Services, all represented here on this stand.

To secure the right and consistent expertise, we have developed pan-European trainings for our LCV sales and after sales experts.

With our complete line-up, we will also benefit from new conversion business opportunities.

In line with our Mobility For All promise, we have developed a wheelchair accessible vehicle conversion for PROACE Verso, and today, as European premiere, we showcase a wheelchair accessible concept for the CDV segment as well.

We will have the RIGHT products, the RIGHT services, and the RIGHT people, but also the RIGHT place with our Toyota Professional Centres to meet every customer needs.

Our Toyota Professional Centres will all get a brand new, distinctive look. And by end of 2025 we are planning to reach 500 Toyota Professional Centres around Europe.

At Toyota, we believe in the power of our multi-path strategy towards carbon neutrality - including our commercial vehicle range.

Specifically of interest to fleet customers, we offer as current line-up portfolio a wide range of internal combustion engines, mild hybrid, and battery electric vehicles. With a battery electric vehicles sales mix of 10%, we are already a top performing brand in Europe, outperforming the market overall.

But, of course, our ambition is to further increase the mix of zero-emission vehicles by further working with our customers to define the next generation of product solutions.

As possible next steps, we have recently presented battery electric and fuel cell electric prototypes of the iconic Hilux. I believe the fuel cell variant is of key interest in Europe, particularly as we’re also looking at solutions in the medium- and heavy-duty truck markets.

To tell us more about our fuel cell strategy, I would like to invite Yasui-san on stage.

Shinichi Yasui

Executive Vice President Toyota Motor Europe,  R&D, Hydrogen Factory Europe, Connected Technologies & Purchasing  / Chief Project Leader Toyota Motor Corporation, Hydrogen Factory

Thank you Tom.

Good morning, everyone, my name is Shinichi Yasui. I am Executive Vice President of TME R&D and Chief Project Leader of Hydrogen Factory.

Today, I’d like to explain hydrogen related activities in Toyota.

Indeed, we strongly believe that hydrogen fuel cell technology is a great fit for LCVs and we recently demonstrated it in the Hilux at the Olympic games.

In fact, in Paris we showed how hydrogen can be used for many applications – all of which can support a local hydrogen cluster – which in turn creates demand and reduces costs. This kind of cluster combines fuel cell use in cars, taxis, buses, trucks and even boats operating on the river.

This supports our image that carbon is our enemy, and we should use all technologies and a wide range of applications to fight it by multi-pathway approach.

Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions as much as possible, as soon as possible, everywhere in the world! And not just for light duty vehicles.

We believe fuel cell technology is a very good fit for medium and heavy duty transportation solutions. Let me explain briefly.

The wider use of hydrogen as an energy carrier is coming quickly.

Recently the EU president re-confirmed that hydrogen for carbon reduction is critical for Europe to achieve its climate goals. To support this ambition, the EU and its member states have a wide-reaching framework in place.

The Renewable Energy Directive mandates that 42% of industry hydrogen must come from renewables by 2030…  and 60% by 2035.

At the same time, there is an EU regulation to stimulate the development of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure. This means there will be a hydrogen station every 200 kilometers along the Trans-European Transport Network by the end of this decade.

The point is that green hydrogen is going to be widely available across Europe by 2030. Things are moving.

At the same time, Toyota is not standing still.

We believe that today we already have industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell technology.

However, we have already announced our 3rd generation technology which will further improve efficiency by around 20% and reduce the cost of the FC stack by up to 50%.

The launch of this latest technology will coincide with new infrastructure and green hydrogen developments I just mentioned. This will give an increasing number of transportation companies a practical and affordable way to reduce their carbon footprints.

With our partners we have already created a wide range of applications including buses, boats, trains and stationary power generators.

However, being here in Hannover, I want to highlight the importance of fuel cells for medium and heavy-duty trucks.

Truck companies are facing strict CO2 reduction targets towards 2030. This requires them to develop practical and reliable zero emissions solutions.

This is a key reason why we took trucks very much into account when developing our 3rd generation fuel cell technology. As a result, not only will the efficiency increase and the cost reduce, but the durability will improve significantly.

Our door remains open to new partners in Europe and beyond and we are looking forward to a wide range of fuel cell applications across the whole industry.

Let me end by saying: “The future is something we all create together”.

So, let’s work together to reduce carbon emissions as much as possible and as soon as possible in the transportation sector.

Thank you.

1. The two companies will provide a wider range of options to customers by equipping more passenger cars with fuel cell systems.

Toyota and BMW are collaborating on the development of a third-generation fuel cell system, which will be installed in both companies' models to provide customers with a broader range of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). As a first step, BMW plans to launch its first mass-produced FCEV in 2028.

Both companies will also work to create synergies through collaboration in development and procurement as well as drive down costs by amalgamating powertrain units to expand commercial and passenger vehicle demand. By making FCEV a more accessible option, the partnership will contribute to the creation of a hydrogen society.

2. Establishing sustainable hydrogen supply networks

Both companies believe that working with like-minded partners is essential for realizing a hydrogen society. Given the need to create clusters of demand for hydrogen in the early stages of popularisation, Toyota and BMW will encourage sustainable hydrogen supply by creating demand and working closely with hydrogen-producing companies as well as distribution and refuelling facilities to ensure a stable hydrogen supply and reduce costs.
 

Toyota has positioned hydrogen as a key energy source in its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, and has been advancing initiatives in collaboration with many partners across the areas of "producing, transporting, storing, and using" hydrogen.

Toyota aims to be best-in-town by conducting locally rooted management that caters to each region's market characteristics and customer needs. Moving forward, we will continue to address the needs of customers in each region by focusing on a multi-pathway approach that includes FCEV, BEV, HEV, and PHEV options, all while steadily working towards reducing CO2 emissions.

For the first time, Toyota will be present at this year's IAA Transportation Hannover with a 700 m² booth displaying the brand’s full Professional line-up.

With the launch of the PROACE MAX, the Toyota commercial vehicle business in Europe reaches a new milestone, by entering the class of large vans in Europe for the first time.

Having already proven its competitiveness in the compact- and medium-sized van market in recent years, Toyota is now present in all important LCV market segments.

Toyota offers the new PROACE MAX in a battery-electric version and is prepared for all conceivable requirements with a wealth of conversion options. Among other things, dropside and chassis versions and tippers are available from the factory; further special adaptations can be made by certified converters.

Toyota also launched this year the updated, mid-size van PROACE, the compact PROACE CITY and the respective VERSO passenger car variants, all of which feature a striking new family design.

In addition, the legendary Hilux pick-up will receive a 48V hybrid system for the first-time next year, which enables efficiency with further improved driving performance and offers extra driving comfort in the city as well as off-road.

KINTO Mobility, Toyota Financial Services and Toyota Insurance Services complete the Toyota Professional offering and will also present their services at the Toyota booth.

A section of the Toyota booth will be dedicated for Toyota’s solutions for hydrogen mobility, including a Fuel Cell Hilux prototype, and fuel cell systems that can be provided to other OEMs for integration in trucks, buses or other means of transportation.

The Toyota on-stand press conference is scheduled on September 16 at 10:20 AM. On September 17 at 2:30 PM, Toyota will also join an IAA Commercial Vehicle Talk in Room 12 of the Convention Center to discuss alternative drive systems for commercial vehicles.

IAA Transportation 2024 opens from Sept 17 to 22 at the Deutsche Messe in Hanover, Germany.

The annual four-day automotive celebration in grounds of historic Goodwood House in Sussex, England, concluded yesterday (14 July) with Toyota enjoying the opportunity to demonstrate how its carbon-reducing multi-path technology strategy is being developed to enter the world of top-level competition.

Rowan Atkinson, the celebrated international film actor and automotive aficionado, took the wheel of the first European-built hydrogen-fuelled GR Yaris on Goodwood’s hill climb course. David Richards, chairman of both the motorsport and advanced technology business Prodrive and the national sporting organisation Motorsport UK, and the Duke of Richmond, owner of the Goodwood Estate, were among special guests invited to experience the car from the passenger seat.

TGR-WRT was out in force with eight-time World Champion Sébastien Ogier, reigning champion Kalle Rovanperä and 2024 title-challenger Elfyn Evans. The team presented both the GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid and – new this season - Rally2 WRC cars, while the new GR Yaris – a high-performance road car developed with direct input from TGR-WRT and professional drivers – was also put through its paces.

Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala hosted the official handover of the keys of the two special edition versions of the new GR Yaris to Ogier and Rovanperä and introduced a special message from Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda (alias “Morizo”) who thanked them for their championship-winning contributions. The drivers have each had direct input into the special editions – produced only very limited numbers – tailoring the cars’ handling to their personal preferences.

The multi-path technology strategy was also embraced by Toyota’s support vehicles at the event. These included the hydrogen fuel cell Toyota Hilux prototype, a new version of the legendary pick-up that has been developed by a Toyota-led consortium in the UK, and the Corolla Commercial, another British-made model that has brought the efficiency benefits of hybrid power to the van market. 

The mighty GR DKR Hilux Evo T1U gave a taste of the all-terrain capabilities that are making it a leading contender in this year’s FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, running on all three Goodwood courses – hill climb, rally stage and off-road – piloted by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team members Seth Quintero, Dennis Zenz and Armand Monleon.

The Hydrogen Factory will be responsible for producing an increasing number of fuel cell systems and supporting a widening group of commercial partnerships, in line with the company’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040, ten years ahead of Toyota’s global target.

Toyota expects Europe to be one of the world’s largest hydrogen fuel cell markets by 2030, with steady acceleration of different mobility and power generation applications. Growing investment and regulatory measures are encouraging development and market growth. These include €45 billion investment from the European Commission’s Green Deal by 2027 and the EU’s transport infrastructure fund has awarded 284 million euros – or approximately one third of its budget - for the installation of hydrogen refuelling stations.

The recent confirmation of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) requires 42% of hydrogen used by industry in Europe to derive from sustainable sources by 2030. Along with the plans to build hydrogen filling stations at a minimum 200 km intervals along the region’s TEN-T (trans-European Transport Network) corridors, Europe is positioning itself at the centre of hydrogen technology.

A growing spectrum of mobility applications

Toyota introduced the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell sedan, the Mirai, in 2015. Second generation fuel cell technology debuted in the next generation Mirai launched in 2020 and was introduced in the all-new Toyota Crown in Japan earlier this year, reaffirming the company’s commitment to hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles.

Fuel cell electric passenger cars benefit of a long driving range and quick refuelling, and under that premise, Toyota is further broadening its exploration towards light duty FCEVs. Earlier this year, the first hydrogen-fuelled Hilux FCEV Prototype pick-up was unveiled. Produced by a Toyota-led consortium in the UK, the prototype demonstrates how a fuel cell might be incorporated in a pick-up. Thanks to hydrogen being light, higher payload and towing capabilities can be obtained for light duty FCEVs compared to other zero-emission alternatives.

Toyota has also been integrating their fuel cell technology into heavy-duty transport and applications for some years now and has recently entered the strategic truck market in Europe, with hydrogen-powered trucks from the French manufacturer Hyliko and the Netherlands-based VDL Groep. Toyota will be using the hydrogen-powered VDL trucks to decarbonise its own logistics operations. The company is also expanding its partnership with Corvus in Norway for future marine applications, like ships and vessels. Furthermore, French clean mobility company GCK will use Toyota’s fuel cell modules to convert diesel coaches to zero-emission hydrogen vehicles.

The next generation

Building on its extensive experience, Toyota is developing next-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology that is expected to deliver industry leading performance through longer lifecycles and reduced costs. The new fuel cell technology, scheduled for sales in 2026, will deliver a higher power density. The new fuel cell system is expected to have a 20% increase in driving range, whereas technical advances and increased production volumes are expected to help reduce costs by more than a third. Further research is also looking at the potential of scalable fuel cell stacks with different power outputs and design of fuel tanks with complex shapes, compatible with different size vehicles.

Toyota will supply GCK – a group of industrial companies offering technological solutions to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport – with hydrogen fuel cell modules to convert ten used coaches into zero tailpipe emission electric vehicles. The converted coaches will be purchased by B.E. Green – a French company providing carbon-neutral transportation services – who will introduce the hydrogen vehicles into its existing fleet after use at the Games. The first converted long-distance coach with the Toyota fuel cell module was presented today at the RNTP Transport Event in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

During conversion, the diesel engine and gearbox in the front of a coach are replaced with a 370kW electric motor, batteries, and a Toyota TFCM2-B fuel cell module. With this innovative approach and collaboration, Toyota has demonstrated the flexibility of its fuel cell modules and the potential of converting traditional transport into zero tailpipe emission vehicles.

This collaboration in the long-distance coach sector further expands Toyota's portfolio of partnerships to provide its fuel cell technology for hydrogen solutions across diverse sectors. Fuel cell modules are already in use in trucks, buses, trains, generators and various marine applications. This latest development helps to further accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon neutral society.

Toyota’s Ever Better Mobility for All philosophy believes that freedom of movement is fundamental for a diverse society. Toyota is on its way to becoming a mobility company, working to reduce obstacles to move for all, regardless of their physical abilities. With many thousands of athletes, staff and volunteers, Paris 2024 will be a demonstration of what is possible when we work together for a better and more inclusive society.

In collaboration with the IOC, the IPC and the Paris Organising Committee of Olympic and Paralympic Games, Toyota is dedicated to making Paris 2024 the most innovative showcase of inclusive and sustainable mobility to date. That starts by making sure that athletes and their families, staff, volunteers, and spectators can all move around sustainably and safely.

Ensuring ‘Mobility for All’

During the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, Toyota will provide solutions to enable the ease of movement for all. To that end, Toyota will offer personal and group mobility products that are designed to enable ease of movement for everyone.

At Paris 2024, Toyota will make available around 250 personal battery electric vehicles – seated C⁺walk_S and standing C⁺walk_T. Both have a maximum speed of 6 km/h and are enabled with front obstacle detection systems to ensure the safety of the drivers and those nearby. The seated version will be available to athletes, organisers and volunteers, whereas the standing version will be distributed to staff and volunteers to facilitate their movement around the Paris 2024 venues.

For wheelchair users, Toyota will also provide wheelchair e-pullers. Fifty of the e-pullers will be available throughout the Paris 2024 in the athletes’ village. An additional 150 will be made available during the Paralympic Games opening ceremony to make sure that athletes in wheelchairs have easy access to join this unique event.

To ensure fair and easy access to these personal micro-mobility solutions in the Paralympic Village, Toyota will offer them as a shared mobility service powered by KINTO Share mobile app. Sharing of these products will maximize their usage by Paralympians and staff, as well as keep the operations more efficient.

In addition to personal micro-mobility solutions, Toyota will deploy around 250 zero tailpipe emission electric Accessible People Movers (APM). Building on the vehicle’s success at the Tokyo 2020 Games, the new APM has been redesigned and built in Europe with the spirit of inclusivity in mind.  

Toyota’s APMs are designed to support all athletes, as well as organisers, volunteers, and spectators with physical disabilities, including wheelchair users. They will take on roles of main shuttle in the Olympic and Paralympic Village, and at the venues; some will in parallel move small goods across the Games and a number of them will be designated as an emergency relief vehicle. APMs will operate mainly inside the Paris 2024 security zones, bringing Toyota’s ‘Mobility for All’ vision into reality.

Toyota will also provide 150 wheelchair-accessible battery electric vehicles Toyota Proace Verso to support the mobility of the Olympic and Paralympic family members in wheelchairs. After Paris 2024, all vehicles will remain in Paris region where they will be used to provide specialised personal transport services to people in wheelchairs.

Overall, Toyota plans to provide 700 personal last-mile mobility products such as C+walk_S, C+walk_T, wheelchair e-pullers, 250 APMs, as well as 150 wheelchair-accessible Toyota Proace, among other mobility solutions. This way, Toyota will ensure that athletes, volunteers and organisers have access to the most inclusive and sustainable mobility fleet ever seen at the Olympic and Paralympic games.

A more sustainable fleet

Sustainability is a significant part of Toyota’s commitment to building a better world, underlined by its Environmental Challenge 2050, by which date the company aims to achieve carbon neutrality at a global level – and in Europe by 2040. That is why Toyota’s multipath strategy, combining different electrified vehicles, is at the core of the Toyota fleet to be made available to the Olympic and Paralympic family at Paris 2024. Toyota will bring a 100% electrified passenger vehicle fleet to Paris, in line with its commitment to reduce carbon emissions.

Overall, Toyota will bring more than 2,650 electrified passenger vehicles to be used during Paris 2024 of which 150 are wheelchair accessible. Around 60% of the fleet will have zero-tailpipe emissions, including battery electric vehicles (BEV) Toyota bZ4X, Proace and Proace Verso and Lexus RZ, and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) Toyota Mirai.

During the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, Toyota will provide 500 of its hydrogen-fuelled FCEVs Mirai to enable zero tailpipe emission movement for the Olympic and Paralympic family, athletes, organisers and volunteers alike. After the games, all 500 vehicles will join the existing Paris hydrogen taxi fleet, thereby increasing the number of FCEV vehicles to 1,500.

In addition to zero tailpipe emission vehicles, Toyota will also bring around 1,000 hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles – Toyota’s global best-selling RAV4 in both PHEV and HEV versions, as well as Toyota Corolla TS, Yaris Cross, and Highlander, all with hybrid technology.

Furthermore, the official fleet will be complemented by additional vehicles connected via Toyota’ car-sharing service KINTO. The car sharing will give the Olympic and Paralympic family even more flexibility to move around.

Overall, Toyota aims to reduce vehicle carbon emissions at the Paris 2024 Games by 50% compared to those of previous Games. Furthermore, nearly 60% of all Toyota’s fleet will be produced in Europe, including 37% in France, contributing to the vision of a sustainable and locally sourced Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Building a sustainable hydrogen mobility legacy

Toyota believes that hydrogen is a key pillar for the creation of a low-carbon and a more sustainable society. That is why the company has put it at the heart of its mobility concept for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. During the Paris 2024, Toyota will showcase its vision of building a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem through a demonstration of hydrogen solutions that further push the boundaries of hydrogen-powered mobility.

In addition to the 500 Toyota Mirai FCEVs, Toyota will also bring specific applications that go beyond the traditional automotive offering. Overall, Toyota and its partners are planning to showcase up to 10 different hydrogen mobility, mostly fuel-cell, applications – a significant increase from Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022. Applications will range from buses and trucks to boats and forklifts – all demonstrating the potential of hydrogen-powered society. These applications are a result of Toyota’s integration of its fuel-cell technology with partners, with the aim of solving today’s most pressing mobility challenges.

Among the hydrogen applications to be on display in Paris 2024 are two FCEV city buses, converted specifically for this occasion. The buses were designed with accessibility and team spirit in mind and will be able to transport an entire wheelchair team in one bus.

On the logistics side, Toyota will showcase the benefits of hydrogen-powered FCEV trucks, developed together with its partners. In addition, FCEV forklifts, designed by Toyota Material Handling, will further demonstrate how hydrogen-powered logistics operations can support hydrogen economy.

Toyota’s fuel-cell technology will be present in FCEV-powered boats, coaches, the hydrogen Hilux prototype, and other solutions to support the operations at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

Building a sustainable hydrogen-powered mobility requires a robust ecosystem that supports hydrogen-based business solutions. Toyota expects that by demonstrating the feasibility of hydrogen mobility solutions at Paris 2024, it will encourage a wider roll-out of the hydrogen infrastructure.

Putting people at the centre with Global Team Toyota Athletes

Toyota’s partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Games is a result of Toyota’s commitment to building a better world of tomorrow. Sports and the way that athletes face and overcome challenges to reach their goals is an inspiration and show the way to a more inclusive and sustainable society.

That is why Toyota is a proud partner of around 200 athletes from 40 countries on their road to qualify and compete in Paris 2024, all training under the umbrella of Global Team Toyota Athletes. These Olympians and Paralympians embody Toyota’s core value of continuous improvement and desire to overcome challenges.  

Toyota’s commitment to building a better society goes even further. The company is dedicated to making movement better for everyone and ensuring that everyone gets the same chance to be their very best. In 2018, Toyota rolled out a global corporate campaign ‘Start Your Impossible’, that reflects the Olympic and Paralympic spirit of encouragement, challenge and progress. The initiative is built on three pillars - Ever Better Society, Ever Better Toyota and Ever Better Mobility for All - that encompass Toyota’s pledge to a constantly evolving world. The campaign continues with Paris 2024.

In addition, in the run-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Toyota Motor Europe, under the banner ‘Start your Impossible’ has launched a European activation campaign. Over 100,000 Toyota employees from across Europe can take on non-business-related challenges, such as sports, volunteering, or mindset shift activities to contribute to the ever-better society, and therefore an ever-better Toyota. And by being active in their lives and their communities, they can be one of the 4,000 employees to get a chance to attend and support the Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

____

Cities around the world still face challenges surrounding mobility, having to solve issues ranging from traffic congestion to air pollution, traffic accidents, and access for people with impairments. Starting from Tokyo 2020 and through Beijing 2022, and continuing now in Paris 2024, Toyota is hoping to help cities tackle these challenges around the world and contribute to developing a sustainable mobility society.

Toyota will disclose more of its plans and contributions, including those related to new mobility products and solutions, moving forward between now and Paris 2024.

100% ELECTRIFIED PASSENGER FLEET 

LAST-MILE INCLUSIVE MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

In its goal to achieve carbon neutrality, Toyota believes in a multi-path approach to mobility through a diverse range of battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, full hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In this way, customers across all regions can benefit by having access to a range of zero and low-emission vehicles which best meet their needs.

The Toyota Mirai is a prime example of the company's commitment to offering zero-emission vehicles. This hydrogen fuel cell powered sedan,  combines the advantages of electric mobility with unequalled comfort of use, autonomy, and rapid recharging, demonstrates Toyota’s determination to decarbonise.

The Toyota Mirai fleet will be refuelled with hydrogen from renewable sources provided by Air Liquide, Official Hydrogen Supporter of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

* London 2012,  Rio 2016

The ground-breaking pick-up was revealed at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s vehicle plant in Derby, England, where it has been developed in a joint project with consortium partners, supported by UK Government funding. Hilux is a global icon of the Toyota brand with a reputation for exceptional reliability and durability. The development project has explored how these qualities might be maintained while adopting a new fuel cell electric zero emission powertrain.

Vehicle profile

The new powertrain uses core elements from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric sedan – technology that has proved its quality in almost 10 years of commercial production. When driven, the fuel cell produces no tailpipe emissions other than pure water.

Hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure fuel tanks, giving the prototype Hilux an expected driving range of more than 600 km – significantly further than might be achieved with a battery electric system. The hybrid battery, which stores electricity produced on-board by the fuel cell, is positioned in the rear load deck, avoiding loss of cabin space.

Project history

The project began in early 2022 with a feasibility study undertaken by TMUK and Toyota Motor Europe. Funding was subsequently gained from the UK Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, a non-profit organisation supporting the development of cleaner technologies and new mobility concepts. This enabled the start of an intense design and development programme from 1 July 2022, with consortium partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H Advanced Technologies, Thatcham Research and additional support from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).

Prototype construction began on June 5 this year, working to Toyota Production System principles in a dedicated area within the TMUK facility. The first vehicle was completed just three weeks later, the first of 10 that will be built by the end of this year. These will undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety, dynamic performance, functionality and durability meet the high standards required of a production model.

The project has enabled TMUK members to develop and apply new skills relating to fuel cell electrified vehicles and hydrogen system components. The consortium members have also all played key roles in the initial phase of the programme. Ricardo has supported preparations for the prototype build, carrying out design and development tasks and confirming the complete manufacturing process in parallel with teams at TMUK.  Ricardo will undertake complete evaluation of the vehicle over the coming months, prior to a decision on a potential production model being introduced in the second half of this decade.

About the consortium members

Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) produces Corolla Hatchback, Touring Sports and Commercial models at its production centre in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and hybrid engines at its facility in Deeside North Wales. TMUK began production in 1992 as Toyota’s first fully owned manufacturing business in Europe and went on to become the company’s first location for hybrid electric vehicle manufacturing outside Japan. To date, Toyota has invested more than £2.75 billion in its UK manufacturing operations; TMUK currently employs more than 3,000 people and supports many further jobs in its extensive UK supplier network.

Ricardo is a global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy specialising in the transport, energy and scarce resources sectors. Ricardo has supported 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. ETL has studied reversible and multi fan arrangements.

D2H Advanced Technologies provides high-technology engineering services in simulation, modelling, aerodynamics, thermodynamics and design for motorsport and other high-performance industries. D2H has completed CFD analysis to highlight where improvements could be made.

Thatcham Research, the automotive risk intelligence company dedicated to understanding the opportunities and risks of new vehicle technology, supported the project through the provision of sustainable repair consultancy and the preparation of hydrogen training for the repair market.

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. 

The three companies will use their complementary expertise to address the entire value chain of hydrogen mobility, ranging from renewable or low-carbon hydrogen production, distribution and refuelling infrastructure, to the deployment in different vehicle segments. Initially the focus will be on buses, light commercial vehicles and cars, with a further aim to accelerate the heavy-duty truck  segment.

By exploring joint opportunities, the three major players of hydrogen mobility will contribute to the emergence of new hydrogen ecosystems across Europe, a key step to stimulate demand and facilitate hydrogen access for other mobility applications. This includes the infrastructure and refuelling stations, as well as integrated vehicles offers (leasing and service) to customers such as taxi companies, fleet operators, local authorities, and others. The integration of different applications and projects within a hydrogen ecosystem, where supply and demand meet, is intended to create a virtuous circle enabling the overall hydrogen infrastructure to further mature. This initiative represents another step along the path of decarbonization, which is consistent with the stronger focus from European governments and the readiness of hydrogen technologies.

^{About Air Liquide}

^{A world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 75 countries with approximately 66,400 employees and serves more than 3.8 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide’s scientific territory and have been at the core of the company’s activities since its creation in 1902.}

^{Air Liquide’s ambition is to be a leader in its industry, deliver long term performance and contribute to sustainability - with a strong commitment to climate change and energy transition at the heart of its strategy. The company’s customer-centric transformation strategy aims at profitable, regular and responsible growth over the long term. It relies on operational excellence, selective investments, open innovation and a network organization implemented by the Group worldwide. Through the commitment and inventiveness of its people, Air Liquide leverages energy and environment transition, changes in healthcare and digitization, and delivers greater value to all its stakeholders.}

^{Air Liquide’s revenue amounted to more than 23 billion euros in 2021. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, EURO STOXX 50 and FTSE4Good indexes.}

^{Corporate Communications contact: media@airliquide.com} 

^{Investor Relations contact: IRTeam@airliquide.com}

^{About CaetanoBus}

^{CaetanoBus, part of Toyota Caetano Portugal and Mitsui & Co, is a bus and chassis manufacturer in Portugal. The company has a consolidated offer in vehicles for cities and airports which is a result of its technical capacity in developing unique, customer-oriented mobility solutions. CaetanoBus is also the manufacturer of COBUS, the world’s market leader in airport bus transportation. CaetanoBus has been focusing on electric mobility since 1980. Follow us on LinkedIn.}

^{Public Relations Contact: Raquel Noutel Santos - raquel.santos@caetanobus.pt - T: +351 915 278 883}

TME engineers will support the overall design of the system and the integration of the module into the bus to ensure optimum efficiency, power and service life. The heavy-duty unit’s efficiency results in a comparatively low consumption of hydrogen relative to the power generation. With an integrated voltage converter, the TFCM operates in a voltage range of 450 to 700 volts and most efficiently at around 30kW.

In line with its vision of a decarbonised society, Toyota is promoting the application of its hydrogen fuel cell technology beyond passenger cars to include heavy duty trucks, small delivery trucks, boats and buses. To realise  this goal, Toyota is establishing partnerships with several European OEMs that share the same hydrogen vision. Bringing together all types of hydrogen applications around hydrogen infrastructure, will support the development of ecosystems where hydrogen mobility can expand further.

2^nd generation fuel cell modules

To help facilitate the expansion of its hydrogen technology from cars to diverse uses, Toyota Mirai’s fuel cell system has been re-packaged into compact fuel cell modules. From January 2022, Toyota will start production of the 2^nd generation modules, based on its advanced 2^nd generation fuel cell system. The new system, which is packaged into more compact, lighter modules also provides more power density. The modules are available in two shapes, a cube and a flat, rectangular shape to allow more flexibility and easier adaptation for a variety of applications.

European production

Toyota began fuel cell development way back in 1992 and the company has continued to refine its hydrogen technology. The new second generation fuel cell modules will also be assembled by our manufacturing team in Europe, at Toyota Motor Europe’s (TME) Research and Development facility, in Zaventem, Brussels. Starting in January 2022, the new facility houses a pilot assembly line combining advanced technology content with high-quality assembly.

Toyota took the decision to assemble their second-generation fuel cell modules in Europe, as it sees demand grow significantly across the region. In collaboration with entrepreneurs interested to use Toyota’s technology in their applications, TME’s Fuel Cell Business Unit will offer the necessary engineering support for integration. This proximity to its partners and the ability to closely monitor emerging business opportunities, will allow the company to scale up supply quickly.

Hydrogen Clusters

The expansion of a European Hydrogen economy will be a key element in achieving the Green Deal’s objective of net-zero global warming emissions by 2050. The EU has stated that to meet this challenge, industry will need ‘climate and resource frontrunners’ to develop the first commercial applications of breakthrough technologies in key industrial sectors by 2030. The emergence of hydrogen clusters in Europe sees different sectors uniting and bringing their skills, technologies and applications together - such as truck, bus, taxi fleets and H2 infrastructure, to create viable business opportunities, allowing them to flourish and become the nucleus of larger-scale activities.

As it implements hydrogen technology solutions to a wide range of applications, Toyota supports the creation of a hydrogen environment, a ‘living oasis’, where supply and demand meet to further grow.

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.

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”.

On the right track to develop a Bi-modal Fuel Cell Train

Almost half of the railway lines in the European Union are electrified and enable local emission-free rail transport. On the remaining sections of the lines, diesel powered trains are used. Within the EU project FCH2RAIL (Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack for Rail Applications), a consortium with partners from Belgium, Germany, Spain and Portugal is developing and testing a new zero-emission train prototype. At the heart of the project there is a hybrid, bi-modal drive system that combines the electrical power supply from the overhead line with a “fuel cell hybrid power pack” (consisting of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries) that works independent of the overhead line.

The project FCH2RAIL was already launched in January and the reference routes and operating scenarios for the prototype have now been defined as a first result.

Overhead line and hybrid system: Bi-modal, emission-free travelling

Where energy is available from overhead lines, the train takes the energy from them. When there are no overhead lines, the energy will come from the fuel cell and battery system, called the ‘Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack’.

"We want to show that this type of bi-mode train is a competitive and environmentally friendly alternative to the diesel train", describes project leader and researcher Holger Dittus from the German Aerospace Center - Institute of Vehicle Concepts (DLR).

Today, many railway lines are being equipped with overhead lines in Europe, a very expensive and long-term project that depends on the local geographical conditions. An alternative are purely battery-powered trains, but they have a limited range of operation (30 to 70 kilometres), depending on the route profile and outside temperatures. Current diesel trains have lower performance in terms of top speed and acceleration compared to vehicles powered by electric motors from overhead lines.

"Our bi-modal hybrid fuel cell battery system combines the advantages of both technologies: Energy coming from the overhead lines or from on board. This lets us make rail transport even more sustainable and energy-efficient", says Sergio Gascon, Technical Project Manager at Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), summarising the main goal of the project.

The energy supply system is to be designed in such a way that power and range can be expanded based on a modular principle: The number of fuel cell and battery modules influences the drive power; the number of hydrogen tanks determines the operation range on non-electrified lines. Therefore, the drive unit can be designed for use in both passenger and freight transport.

With a budget of 14 million euros, the project aims to develop, demonstrate and approve such a system within the next four years. The project is funded with 10 million euros by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH 2 JU).

“Our study on hydrogen and fuel cells in the railway environment showed that there is significant potential for FCH technologies in the rail environment and that hydrogen-powered trains will be an important part of building a sustainable European transport system.” states Bart Biebuyck, Executive Director of FCH 2 JU. “The European Commission has made it clear in its Hydrogen strategy that hydrogen is a promising option where electrification is more difficult – such as specific parts of the rail network. The FCH2RAIL project will demonstrate that the technology provides a flexible, zero-emission solution to replace diesel trains in these areas and I am looking forward to seeing their results.”

Put on track: Functional tests with converted commuter train

To understand the environmental impacts of such a system, from its production, to its use, up to its disposal and to evaluate the performance under real conditions, it is planned to convert a CIVIA electric commuter train (manufactured by the Spanish manufacturer CAF) and to integrate a fuel cell hybrid power pack in this train. The Spanish state railway operator Renfe is providing the train. One of the central components of the on board energy system are the packaged fuel cell system modules from Toyota Motor Europe (TME), while the batteries and power converters will be provided by CAF. Initial functional tests and trial runs for approval will take place on Spanish and Portuguese tracks with the support of the infrastructure managers Administrador de Infrastructuras Ferroviarias (ADIF) and Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP). The Spanish hydrogen research centre Centro National de Hidrogeno (CNH2) has been entrusted with the construction of a hydrogen fuelling station to refuel the prototype and in FCHPP testing before train integration.

We embrace this opportunity of working within the consortium to bring our fuel cell technology to another type of hydrogen application. Hydrogen has an important role to play in helping decarbonise Europe's railways, and we are excited to integrate Toyota fuel cell modules into the "Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack”, said Thiebault Paquet, Director of the Fuel Cell Business Group at Toyota Motor Europe.

Designing and controlling the system, energy management and homologation

Until the first trial runs, the international project team still has a number of technological challenges to solve: For the design, fuel cell and battery modules must be combined and controlled in such a way that the system meets all requirements and can be implemented cost-effectively at the same time. In addition, it should be possible to use the waste heat from the fuel cell modules in an efficient way to heat and air-condition the train. The air conditioning manufacturer Faiveley / Stemmann Technik (STT) and DLR are investigating innovative solutions for reducing the energy demand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) as part of the project.

The project also examines norms and standards in the fields of hydrogen and rail transport and attempts to bring the two together assuring safe interaction between the hydrogen technology and overhead catenary at all times. Based on this, the project team is developing proposals for responsible authorities to make approvals across EU of such trains easier in the near future.

For more information please contact:

DLR: H. Dittus, Holger.dittus@dlr.de

Toyota Motor Europe: Vasilis Kopelas, Vasilis.Kopelas@toyota-europe.com

"We are very pleased with the capital investment in our business by Toyota. It marks a significant step in the development of EODev. Our relationship began by developing the GEH2 and REXH2 together and validating it with the Energy Observer boat. Toyota's capital investment makes our partnership even closer. This is a real recognition of the work carried out by our respective teams and a strategic acceleration for EODev", said Jérémie Lagarrigue, CEO of Energy Observer Developments.

In early 2020, EODev and TME Fuel Cell Business integrated Toyota’s leading fuel cell technology in the Energy Observer boat, ahead of its Atlantic and Pacific Ocean crossings. This marked Toyota’s expansion into a new business area where it has become a fuel cell technology supplier and integrator. Both companies worked together to develop hydrogen products around the Toyota modular fuel cell system. EODev’s REXH2_© is a maritime hydrogen power solution that can be integrated into different kinds of ships, in full compliance with environmental and regulatory constraints. Their GEH2_© stationary generator is another example of a zero-emission solution using the Toyota hydrogen technology.

“We are extremely happy to support and be more closely involved in the initiatives by EODev. This will enable the industrialization of hydrogen solutions developed by both companies’ engineers using the Toyota fuel cell technology. We both embrace the Sustainable Development Goals as a direction towards a better society and a better world. Our partnership has already been very successful, and this enhanced cooperation will help further develop products that accelerate decarbonization and the growth of a hydrogen society”, commented Matt Harrison, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe 

The partnership started in 2017, when Toyota France decided to sponsor the Energy Observer. It is the world's first hydrogen-powered boat, capable of producing its own hydrogen on-board from seawater thanks to solar, wind and hydro generated power.

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.

Last week, Energy Observer Developments presented this REXH2 in the HYNOVA 40, a 12m boat from HYNOVA Yachts, which can be used as a day-boat or a superyacht tender. While the Energy Observer boat’s main propulsion comes from electricity directly generated from sun and wind, the HYNOVA Yacht is a battery electric boat, supplemented with the Hydrogen Range Extender with the Toyota fuel cell at its core. With a capacity of 12 passengers, it is the first pleasure boat equipped with fuel cell technolgy and brings zero emissions, hydrogen-electric hybrid technology to the wider maritime industry.

The Toyota fuel cell module inside the REXH2 delivers up to 60 kW rated net power and is based on the existing fuel cell technology from the Toyota Mirai. The R&D carried out by the EODev and Toyota teams has made it possible to perfectly adapt the technology to the challenging conditions of the marine environment.

With this kind of projects, Toyota is enhancing a wider business strategy around their fuel cell technology which has the flexibility to be adapted for a variety of uses. Together with the supply of fuel cell modules, the Fuel Cell Business Unit at Toyota Motor Europe provides technical support and expertise to guarantee the optimal use of the module. 

Toyota is integrating its fuel cell technology into a wide variety of applications including buses, trucks, generators and boats.

Toyota Motor Europe’s new project with EODev follows last year’s successful integration of the Toyota fuel cell module into the Energy Observer boat. EODev’s ambition is to deploy the learnings from the Energy Observer boat and provide sustainable hydrogen solutions across a diverse range of applications. Both companies share a common mission to raise awareness about the versatility of hydrogen and the transition to a Hydrogen Society.

The fuel cell module in the GEH2 generator, was developed around the existing hydrogen technology that already powers the Toyota Mirai. The total unit is packaged in a compact module weighing about 290kg and has a rated net power of 60kW with a peak net power of 92kW.

Projects come with Toyota technical support and the know-how to integrate the module into customers’ power applications. The Fuel Cell Business Unit at Toyota Motor Europe serves as the interface to guarantee the optimal use of the module. Toyota has been integrating their fuel cell technology into a variety of applications lately, including buses, trucks and boats.

The cooperation started in September 2017 with initially 20 Toyota Mirai in Hamburg and the fleet was expanded to up to 45 vehicles at several German locations. Throughout this period, no repairs or parts changes were needed, apart from regular maintenance.

The Toyota Mirai was presented in 2014 and has been available in Europe since 2015. It can be ordered by both private and commercial customers. As a luxury vehicle, the fuel cell sedan offers its occupants maximum comfort and maximum environmental friendliness thanks to the four individual seats: the emission-free Mirai only requires hydrogen for propulsion, which is converted into electrical energy in the fuel cell and the 113 kW / 154 hp electric motor drives. This only creates water vapor. With one tank of fuel, the Toyota Mirai travels up to 500 kilometers and the refueling takes just under three minutes.

Later this year, the second generation Mirai will start production in Japan and will bring even longer range in a beautiful new design.

The company’s press conference will be live-streamed on Vimeo, in the Mandalay conference center, Oceanside A.

Click on the following link on January 6 at 22:00 CET to view the press conference: 

https://livestream.com/Toyota/2020CES

From January 7-10, Toyota will have a display booth (#6919) in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visitors attending the booth will experience a visual depiction of Toyota’s ecosystem plans along with mobility products including, e-Palette, micro-Palette, LQ and Walking Area BEVs.

Also included in the booth will be two innovation areas:

• Toyota AI Ventures, Toyota’s US based venture capital firm, will feature several portfolio companies along with an overview of its investment direction. 
• Toyota IP Solutions, Toyota’s newly formed patent team will provide information about the benefits of licensing the impressive IP from Toyota’s accomplished R&D efforts.

Link full press release: Toyota to Build Prototype City of the Future

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.

During our Hydrogen Society Experience event, 16 stakeholders presented their initiatives towards the creation of a Hydrogen Society. (please refer to the press kit in the download section on the right for their summary)

Mirai product information: 

https://newsroom.toyota.eu/2015-toyota-mirai-at-the-forefront-of-environmental-sustainability/

Please find all our Press Releases related to Hydrogen listed in chronological order (latest on top)

The current Mirai has been a catalyst for increasing global awareness of how a future clean and sustainable hydrogen society might be achieved. It is a car that is technically sophisticated, yet eminently practical with a driving range of around 500km, easy refuelling in a matter of minutes and no emissions other than pure water. Since launch, around 10,000 units have been sold, while Toyota has actively supported the development of hydrogen fuel infrastructure in key markets worldwide.

This has been just the beginning: at the Tokyo Motor show, Toyota will provide an early glimpse of the advances it is making across the board with the new Mirai, in terms of technical excellence, dynamic performance, and desirable design.

Scheduled for launch in 2020, initially in Japan, North America and Europe, the new Mirai will be much more than an eco-car, showing how its FCEV technology is no barrier to creating a vehicle that is rewarding to drive and beautiful to look at.

Efficiency is still a critical area, and Toyota is targeting a 30% increase in the Mirai’s driving range through improvements to the fuel cell system and the use of larger on-board hydrogen tanks.

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

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

The new Mirai’s immediate impact is in its exterior design, with low lines, elegant proportions, sleek, taut bodywork and large, 20-inch diameter wheels that together generate a powerful and distinctive look. The preview car will be presented in a specially developed new blue paint finish that uses multiple layers to achieve an exceptional brightness and depth of colour.

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

The freedom to craft a more emotional and head-turning design has been one of the benefits of new Mirai being constructed on Toyota’s latest rear wheel drive modular platform, which was engineered to accommodate different powertrains – including a hydrogen fuel cell – the outset. It further gives the new Mirai a higher degree of body rigidity, which contributes to greater agility and responsiveness, and a lower centre of gravity, which makes for nimble, rewarding handling.

As well as extending the potential driving range, improvements in the performance of the fuel cell system give the new Mirai linear, smooth response when pulling away and an elegant driving feel, with unity between the driver’s throttle inputs and the car’s acceleration. Handling is light and easy on winding roads, while highway driving produces an exceptional sense of power at all speeds.

Toyota, a Worldwide Olympic Partner, was represented at the handover event in Lausanne by Matt Harrison, Executive Vice President, Sales at Toyota Motor Europe and was welcomed by Timo Lumme, Managing Director of IOC Television and Marketing Services, and Marie Sallois-Dembreville, the IOC’s Director for Sustainability.

To allow refuelling of the vehicles, a temporary hydrogen fuelling station – one of the first in Switzerland - will be installed at the new headquarters, before a public station is commissioned nearby. The station will produce and distribute hydrogen sourced from renewable energy to supply the IOC’s fleet of Toyota Mirai vehicles, as part of the organisation’s efforts to reduce its carbon emissions.

Having become the first ever mobility partner of the Olympic Movement in 2015 and in line with Olympic Agenda 2020, Toyota is working with future Olympic Games organisers, including Tokyo 2020, to provide sustainable mobility solutions for the Games.

Toyota will support Tokyo 2020 with a large number of zero-emission FCEV such as the Mirai sedan for official use. In addition, the FC bus "Sora" as well as fuel cell forklifts made and sold by Toyota Industries Corporation, will help support the Games. As part of the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, the TOP Partner* aims to cut its global average carbon dioxide emissions from new vehicles by 90 percent compared to 2010 levels.

Toyota’s hydrogen fleet is not the only sustainability feature of Olympic House, which integrates some of the most rigorous energy, materials and water standards, while optimising the health and wellbeing of its users.

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^{The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit independent international organisation made up of volunteers, which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 3.4 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.}

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For more information about the IOC, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team: Tel: +41 21 621 6000, email: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit the web site at www.olympic.org.

*TOP Partners – https://www.olympic.org/partners

_{Photo credit: Copyright: IOC / Philippe Woods}

Toyota today took another important step towards a broader Hydrogen Society by announcing that it will provide its hydrogen fuel cell technology to Caetanobus SA in Portugal.

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 trucks¹, small delivery trucks², forklifts³ and buses⁴.

In Europe, Toyota will supply its fuel cell systems⁵, including fuel cell stacks, hydrogen tanks and other key components to Caetanobus SA – the renowned Portuguese bus engineering and production company – to build hydrogen fuel cell city buses.

The first zero emission fuel cell city buses will roll off the lines of Caetanobus SA, in a little over a year, and are to be operated as demonstration buses by Caetanobus SA.

The announcement was made in Lisbon, in presence of some of the highest Portuguese government representatives for mobility and the environment, during the visit of the Energy Observer catamaran, the first hydrogen sea vessel powered purely by renewable solar and hydrogen energy.

* FCEV – Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

¹ Toyota Doubles-Down on Zero Emissions Heavy-Duty Trucks

² Seven-Eleven Japan and Toyota to Launch Joint Next-generation Convenience Store Project in Autumn 2019 toward Greater CO2 Emissions Reduction

³ Toyota Accelerates Use of Hydrogen at its Plants

⁴ Toyota Launches Production Model "Sora" FC Bus

⁵ https://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/detail/4198334

Brussels, Belgium – September 05^th, 2018 – Last July marked a major milestone for sustainable mobility in Paris, France. HYPE, the world’s first taxi company operating exclusively with hydrogen vehicles took delivery of 25 Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles. After almost 3 years of operation this delivery takes HYPE’s fleet to 100 vehicles.

For Toyota, this represents a concrete example of how its Environmental Challenge 2050 is reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles. Toyota’s ultimate goal is to support the world’s transition from a carbon to a hydrogen based society. More than 6000 Mirai are currently on the road globally, but the ambition is to sell 30,000 FC stacks in the 2020’s. This delivery goes some way towards achieving that target.

In France, since June 1^st 2018, hydrogen is gaining momentum. As part of the National Hydrogen Plan announced by the French Government, hydrogen mobility has been identified as a key element of this initiative.

This initiative is part of project ZEFER* that has received funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) under grant agreement No 779538. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research.

HYPE is accelerating its deployment in Paris with the intention of launching an equivalent service in Brussels at the end of 2018.

_{*The FCH JU- funded project “Zefer” will deploy 180 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles as taxis, private-hire vehicles and police cars in Paris, Brussels and London. The project acronym stands for Zero Emission Fleet vehicles for European Roll-out. It will deploy large fleets of 60 hydrogen fuelled vehicles in each of three European capitals. These vehicles will be used in the applications where hydrogen fuelled vehicles are the most valuable – fleets which drive long distances every day, which need rapid refuelling, and which operate in polluted city centres where zero-emission hydrogen vehicles can have the greatest impact on avoiding pollution.}

_{Further information via: http://www.fch.europa.eu/project/zero-emission-fleet-vehicles-european-roll-out}

For pictures, please visit: http://newsroom.toyota.eu/

The TOYOTA FCV PLUS is another vehicle that makes its European debut. With this concept, Toyota examines how future hydrogen cars can contribute to society.

Furthermore, a large section of the stand will be reserved for a full Toyota C-HR display. This C-segment crossover makes its full public debut at Paris, after the exterior design was revealed at this year’s Geneva motor show.

And finally, the Toyota booth will celebrate the launch of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the entity that now unites all Toyota motorsports activities under one umbrella, with the aim of placing motorsports central in Toyota’s pursuit to build ever-better cars.

The Toyota booth is located in Hall 4, and will also be the scene for the Toyota Press Conference, scheduled to take place at 13:15 on September 29th.

The fuel cell Toyota Mirai offers many advantages when considering daily use and environmental performance:

• Mirai produces no tailpipe emissions other than water

• Like an electric or hybrid car, Mirai offers a quiet driving experience, without any noise

• Mirai achieves the same level of convenience and autonomy as gasoline engine vehicles, with a cruising range of 500 km and a hydrogen refuelling time of about three to five minutes to refuel the 2 hydrogen tanks.

By choosing the Toyota Mirai for the lap of honour, Prince Albert II of Monaco reiterates his intention to make the Principality of Monaco a pioneer in the field of sustainable mobility. The use of hydrogen means a turning point in terms of new mobility solutions and protection of the environment.

Toyota is honoured that Prince Albert II of Monaco opened this year’s 2016 Monaco Grand Prix in the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first fuel cell sedan.

Responsibility for the road test was given to KJ Tech Services GmbH of Hamburg. Toyota specified the total distance the Mirai should cover, as well as the amount of time spent on different types of road: in the city, on rural roads, on motorways, and on German autobahns with no speed limit. To meet these specifications, KJ Tech Services carefully calculated a single route in and around Hamburg, and organised a team of eight drivers working in two shifts per day, six days a week. 

“The Mirai performed excellently with no mechanical breakdowns,” said KJ Tech Services Project Manager Patrick Hake. “The fuel cell operated with 100% reliability. This was also the case during a week in which the outside temperature dropped to minus 20 degrees Centigrade, when no problems with cold starts were reported.” 

Toyota also asked the eight drivers for their feedback on the Mirai driving experience. They reported that the interior of the Mirai was comfortable and attractive, and remarked on the luxurious leather seats and steering wheel. It was also spacious; even the tallest driver said there was plenty of legroom. It handled well on curves, was easy to manoeuvre, and the steering was responsive. Acceleration was smooth with no jerking, and the drivers were impressed by the car’s power, which they said was immediately available when necessary, for example to overtake or surge away from traffic lights. 

The drivers themselves were responsible for filling the Mirai’s tanks with hydrogen. They had all received a short explanation of how to do this, but as there is little difference between filling up a hydrogen car and a conventional diesel or gasoline car, training was minimal. The drivers found refuelling a very easy and safe process. They recognised a major advantage of the Mirai over other electric vehicles. Instead of having to recharge overnight – and therefore be out of action – the Mirai could be refuelled in just three minutes and was immediately ready to drive.

More refuelling stations

In Norway the launch comes at a time when on top of the 5 existing hydrogen stations in the east of the country, two local hydrogen providers (HyOP and Uno-x) have committed to add more than 20 hydrogen stations across the country by 2020. The hydrogen stations are also expected to be a priority in the 2018-2029 National Transport Plan that comes with additional funding. Toyota customers can enjoy the same benefits of electric vehicles, i.e. VAT and tax exemptions on purchase, access to bus lanes and free toll. 

Toyota Norway PR Manager Espen Olsen: “This is an important milestone for Toyota Norway. We believe this is the start of something big, and we believe that this technology will play a key role in cutting emissions from Norwegian road transport, thus helping the country to achieve its climate targets”. Ahead of the launch the Toyota Mirai has been extensively tested on Norwegian roads and the car has passed all tests with flying colours. The Toyota Mirai has proven to successfully cope with the typical winter cold in Norway. “The cabin warms up very fast thanks to the heat produced as a by-product by the fuel cells, with no impact on the range of the car”, adds Mr Olsen.

100% Green hydrogen

Similar to neighbouring Norway, Sweden already has a number of hydrogen stations in cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, with more in the pipeline to open later this year (Mariestad and an additional station in the capital Stockholm). In Sweden hydrogen can easily be sourced as it is locally produced 100% based on renewable energy, just like in Denmark. Toyota Sweden PR Manager Bengt Dalström: “We see the introduction of the Toyota Mirai as a way to accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure in Sweden.”

Mirai playing key role

The number of Toyota Mirai cars sold in both countries will initially be relatively small to eventually increase significantly in the years leading up to 2020. Toyota estimates selling around 30,000 units a year globally in 2020 from 3,000 units by 2017. Since the car does not emit anything else but water vapour whilst driving, the Toyota Mirai is expected to contribute to reach the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 which, amongst others, aims at reducing CO2 emissions by 90% in 2050 compared to 2010 levels. 

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 to generate electricity within a fuel cell stack, Mirai produces no tailpipe emissions other than water. In addition, 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.

Mr Karl Schlicht, EVP Sales & Marketing at Toyota Motor Europe, commented 

“As recognized leaders in Hybrid technology, we are truly honoured to have received such an important award. This is a clear recognition of Toyota’s long term commitment to Fuel Cell, a convincing, safe and relevant mobility solution which is leading the way to the development of the ultimate ECO car.”

With a focus on the next 100 years of automobiles, Toyota has proceeded with the development of a vehicle that offers a new, unique value. Emitting nothing else than water vapour, the Mirai is a pioneering vehicle that will contribute to a Hydrogen Energy Society. In addition to its advanced fuel cell technology and environmental performance, the Mirai is fun to drive, has a futuristic design that clearly marks it as an FCV, and offers a quiet and comfortable ride. 

Launched in Europe in September 2015, the Toyota Mirai is already available for lease or purchase in the UK, Germany and Denmark. Its commercialisation is about to start in Belgium, Holland, Norway and Sweden, bringing the number of European countries where Mirai can be enjoyed to 7. Mirai is also sold in Japan and the United States.