The hydrogen-powered truck utilises Toyota fuel cell modules which combine hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) molecules into water while simultaneously generating electricity. As a result, the only tailpipe emission is water. Moreover, fast refuelling ensures high utilisation rates.

Air Liquide, a leader in the production and distribution of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen, supplies hydrogen from renewable origin for this project. This collaboration highlights the significance of concurrent development of both vehicles and infrastructure to foster a more sustainable society.

Through these hydrogen truck projects, Toyota intends to support the decarbonisation of heavy duty road transport, which accounts for a quarter of European freight transport based on tonne-kilometres performed. Commercial trucks’ usage patterns and their demand for large volumes of hydrogen position them as key contributors in developing sustainable hydrogen infrastructures.

This latest collaboration again illustrates Toyota’s objective of supporting and contributing to the establishment of Carbon Neutral societies as much as possible in Europe and beyond.

A ground-breaking project to realise a hydrogen fuel cell Hilux pick-up has moved into its next and final phase, signalling yet another milestone in Toyota’s progress towards a zero-carbon future. 

Since the unveiling of the first prototype vehicle in September 2023, Toyota and its consortium partners, supported by UK Government funding, have reached an intensive evaluation and demonstration stage. 

The latest landmark in this joint development project further demonstrates the broad scope of Toyota’s multi-path strategy towards carbon neutrality, applying different powertrain solutions – hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric, fuel cell electric and e-fuels – to suit different user needs and local infrastructure. 

A total of 10 fuel cell Hilux prototypes have now been built at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) facility in Derby, England. Five vehicles are undergoing rigorous field testing to assess safety, performance, functionality, and durability, generating test drive data in real-world situations. Five further units are engaged in customer and media demonstrations, including two at the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. By engaging customers with hydrogen fuel cell technology, Toyota is laying the groundwork for a successful hydrogen transport sector in the future. 

Along with Toyota’s 30 years of research and development into hydrogen fuel cells, know-how from the Hilux project will contribute to the next generation of fuel cell technology, which will offer longer lifecycles, increased driving range for vehicles and significantly reduced costs. 

Toyota expects Europe to be one of the largest hydrogen fuel cell markets by 2030, with steady growth in mobility and power generation applications. As a result, in December 2023 Toyota Motor Europe (TME) announced the Hydrogen Factory Europe, representing Toyota’s co-ordinated approach to the commercialisation of this technology, from development and production to sales and aftersales. 

The fuel cell Hilux prototype project is an important stepping stone to further develop hydrogen technology and stimulate a wider roll-out of hydrogen eco-systems and infrastructure across Europe. 

Vehicle profile

Based on the legendary Toyota Hilux, with its reputation for Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) on the world’s toughest terrain, the hydrogen fuel cell prototype Toyota Hilux showcases how fuel cell technology can be integrated into a pick-up. 

Since its initial launch in 1968, the Hilux has proved its invincibility time and again, having conquered the North Pole, Icelandic volcanoes and the Antarctic continent, whilst also achieving three victories in the Dakar Rally. The fuel cell Hilux retains that uncompromising DNA whilst looking to a zero-carbon future. 

Externally, the fuel cell Hilux retains the same dimensions and rugged appearance as the latest Hilux. In extra-cab format, it is 5325 mm long, 1855 mm wide and 1810 mm tall but beneath the surface, Toyota’s fuel cell technology marks it out as a trailblazer. 

Power is delivered using core elements from the Toyota Mirai – technology that has proved its quality in almost a decade of commercial production since Toyota introduced the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell sedan in 2015. 

The fuel cell Hilux has an expected driving range of up to 600 km – further than might be achieved with a battery electric system. Meanwhile, thanks to hydrogen’s light weight, a higher payload and towing capability can be achieved compared to other zero-emission alternatives. 

Hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure fuel tanks, each containing 2.6 kg for a total system capacity of 7.8 kg. The tanks are mounted within the ladder frame chassis. 
The polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack contains 330 cells and is mounted above the front axle. The fuel cell Hilux is rear-wheel drive via an e-motor on the rear axle which delivers 134 kW (182 DIN hp) of maximum power and 300 Nm maximum torque. When driving, the fuel cell produces no tailpipe emissions, only pure water. 

A Lithium-ion hybrid battery, which stores the electricity produced on-board by the fuel cell, is positioned in the rear load deck, above the hydrogen tanks. This avoids any loss of cabin space. 

Project overview 

Starting with a feasibility study in early 2022 to demonstrate the advantages of hydrogen via a representative prototype vehicle, the hydrogen fuel cell Hilux prototype project has moved forwards at pace towards its concluding phase. 

The feasibility study, undertaken by TMUK and TME, enabled subsequent funding from the UK Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, a non-profit organisation supporting the development of cleaner technologies and new mobility concepts. 

An intense design and development programme ran from July 2022 to January 2023, alongside consortium partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H Advanced Technologies, Thatcham Research and with additional support from Toyota Motor Corporation. 

Parts manufacturing, including chassis frame welding, took place between February and May 2023, prior to prototype construction, which followed Toyota Production System principles in a dedicated area within the TMUK facility. Ricardo supported preparations for the prototype build, carrying out design and development tasks and confirming the complete manufacturing process in parallel with teams at TMUK. 

Prototype construction took place between June and July 2023 and the first vehicle was completed in just three weeks. A further nine prototypes were assembled prior to a thorough evaluation phase from July to December last year, including test rig and track testing. 

Those ten prototypes are now undergoing field testing alongside customer engagement activities, which will conclude the final phase of this research and demonstration project for the fuel cell Hilux. 

Hydrogen solutions 

Since the start of its hydrogen fuel cell development in 1992, Toyota has expanded its knowledge of the technology and encouraged its adoption across a wide variety of different mobility uses, with over 20 hydrogen partnerships currently active in Europe. 

These include a five-year trial with hydrogen-powered VDL trucks to decarbonise Toyota’s logistics operations and stimulate the further development of sustainable hydrogen infrastructure across Europe. 

Since July 2021, Toyota cobrands fuel cell buses with its CaetanoBus partner while French clean mobility company GCK uses Toyota’s fuel cell modules to convert ten diesel coaches to zero tailpipe emission vehicles and provide transportation to over 5,000 visitors during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. 

A partnership with Corvus in Norway has realised one of the safest and most advanced marine fuel cell systems available. Furthermore, Toyota worked closely with Energy Observer to create the first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission boat to be self-sufficient in energy. 

Toyota fuel cells are also used for non-mobility applications, such as the modular fuel cells which form the basis of Toyota partner EODev’s GEH2 generators. In May 2021, those generators illuminated the Eifel Tower in Paris with green, sustainable light. 

Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell development 

Building on its extensive experience, Toyota is developing its next-generation of hydrogen fuel cell, which is expected to deliver industry leading performance through longer lifecycles and reduced costs. 

Toyota has continued to refine the technology since 1992, and in 2015 the Mirai became the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell sedan, using Toyota’s first-generation fuel cells. Five years later, a new Mirai introduced the second generation of fuel cells, which extended the driving range by 30% to around 650 km. 

To expand the potential of hydrogen beyond cars, Toyota has repackaged its fuel cells into a compact modular form. The main components – the fuel cell stack and components that handle air supply, hydrogen supply, cooling, and power control – are integrated in a compact shape which can be easily adapted into a variety of products and applications. The modules are available in a box or a flat, rectangular format to allow greater flexibility and easier adaptation into new applications. 

These fuel cell modules are assembled locally in Europe, at TME’s R&D centre in Belgium, which houses an assembly line combining advanced technologies with high-quality assembly. The Hydrogen Factory Europe operation will produce an increasing number of fuel cell systems and is closely connected with Toyota’s other hydrogen operations to achieve global reach and service. 

A key element of Toyota’s plan for an expansion in hydrogen usage is the new, third-generation fuel cell technology currently under development, with sales scheduled for 2026-27. These units will deliver a higher power density and an expected 20% increase in driving range. Technical advances and increased production volumes can help to 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.

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. 

Vehicle specifications (tentative)

King Philippe was welcomed on his arrival at TME Technical Centre by His Excellency, Masahiro Mikami, Japanese Ambassador to Belgium and Yoshihiro Nakata, President & CEO of TME. The King’s visit started with an explanation of Toyota’s global multi-path strategy offering a wide range of zero and low emission technologies to help decarbonise mobility. The tour of the facility included visiting TME’s Hydrogen Factory where hydrogen fuel cell modules are assembled and integrated into a diverse range of zero emission mobility applications ranging from cars to trucks and maritime products.

The King was chauffeured across the premises to the Design Centre in Toyota’s APM (Accessible People Mover), a wheelchair accessible battery electric vehicle designed at TME to transport athletes and others at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer.  At TME’s Design Centre, the King was shown how best-selling vehicles such as the new Toyota C-HR are designed and developed in Belgium for the European market and was invited to test his skills in the driving simulator.

King Philippe finished his tour of the Technical Centre by meeting a senior group of BJA and TME members to celebrate the close collaboration of Belgium and Japan with a traditional Japanese kanpai!.

*Toyota in Belgium employs around 6,000 people at its Head Office, Technical Centre, European Parts Centre and its National Marketing & Sales Company (Inchcape) and has cumulatively invested approximately €2.2 billion. Beyond its commercial activities, the company is active in wider society working with Serve the City and tree planting in Zaventem.

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 has built, tested and delivered 6 fuel cell modules for the next phase in the project. These modules include the latest Gen2 technology offering more power and higher density in a more compact package. It was decided to use the flat module configuration, allowing the most efficient integration in the demonstration train’s roof.

Three of the modules have already been delivered  to CNH2. These fuel cell modules will first be tested together with the batteries in the full system on a test bench, before moving to CAF. The remaining 3 modules will go directly to CAF by mid-February, where all 6 modules will be installed in the demo train.

With the delivery of Toyota’s fuel cell modules, the teams can now develop the Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack for the hybrid, bi-modal drive system powering of the train. This system combines the electrical power supplied from the overhead line with the fuel cell hybrid power pack that works independently, powering the train. This demonstrator train, a CIVIA electric commuter train manufactured by CAF, is provided by Renfe; both FCH2RAIL consortium partners. CAF will install the fuel cell modules, as part of the hybrid power pack into the train.

Once the integration is complete the consortium will begin the initial functional tests and trial runs for the approval process within the Spanish and Portuguese tracks. The project aims at testing the energy management and validating whether it can be a reliable and viable solution for hydrogen zero-emission trains. The FCH2Rail project is funded by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCHJU).

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

In line with Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050, the Energy Observer demonstrates and shares solutions to champion an ecological and energy transition, supporting tomorrow's energy networks to make them efficient and applicable on a large scale. As the first French ambassador of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Energy Observer is detecting and promoting positive initiatives and sustainable solutions to design tomorrow's future, and to prove that a cleaner world is possible.

For the next leg in the journey, Energy Observer and Toyota have worked closely together to introduce Toyota’s leading fuel cell technology in the boat. Toyota Technical Center Europe has especially developed this fuel cell system, using components first introduced in the Toyota Mirai and fitted it into a compact module suitable for marine applications. It will deliver more power and efficiency, but also high reliability to cross the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean this year.

The R&D team in Europe managed within 7 months the design and component production, followed by the build and installation of the compact fuel cell module. This successfully demonstrates the adaptability of the Toyota fuel cell technology to a variety of applications. At the end of last year, the fuel cell module was tested in the boat in the shipyard. Currently, the final full power testing is being done at sea before the Energy Observer sails off for their 2020 Tour mid-February.

The Toyota Fuel Cell System has proven its benefits already for many years in the Mirai, but more recently also in other applications such as buses and trucks. Using it for maritime transportation is again another step closer to the development of the hydrogen society. Toyota believes that hydrogen is the catalyst for energy decarbonisation and the technology acceptance can accelerate with the Toyota Fuel Cell System modular solution, which can be considered for a multitude of applications.

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.

CleverShuttle, with the involvement of Deutsche Bahn as a shareholder since 2015, is primarily used by people interested in technology and environment who want to be transferred in a CO2 neutral manner. Trips can be booked via an app, after which customers are picked up at a preferred location and driven to their desired destination. By bundling passengers with similar routes, the mobility service ensures low prices, up to 40 percent below conventional taxis.

The cooperation started in September 2017 with initially 20 Toyota Fuel Cell Mirai in Hamburg. Fuelling of the vehicles is done at refuelling stations of H2 MOBILITY, the joint venture established to expand the nationwide hydrogen infrastructure. Thanks to the high level of everyday practicality and reliability of the world’s first fuel cell sedan, CleverShuttle increased the Toyota Mirai fleet up to 45 units that are now being used in Hamburg, as well as in Munich and Stuttgart.

 “We are very pleased to have found the perfect partner in CleverShuttle for our hydrogen technology,” says Ferry M. M. Franz, Director of Toyota Motor Europe – Berlin Office. “With more than 2.2 million kilometres driven, this is the world’s most heavily used hydrogen fleet, demonstrating the innovative, attractive and trouble-free usage of this technology. We would not have been able to bring more than 500,000 people into contact with this forward-looking technology in a faster and better way“, continues Franz.

The Toyota Mirai was introduced in 2014 and has been available in Germany since 2015. It can be ordered by both private and commercial customers. As a top-of-the-range vehicle, the 4.89-meter fuel cell sedan offers its occupants maximum environmental friendliness and maximum comfort thanks to its four individual seats. The emission-free Mirai requires only hydrogen for propulsion, which is converted into electrical energy in the fuel cell that drives the 113 kW/154hp electric engine.

This only creates water vapour as an emission. With a full tank the Toyota Mirai drives up to 500 km, while refuelling takes just under three minutes.

This project has received funding from the European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 671438 and No 700350. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the Industry Grouping Hydrogen Europe and Research Grouping Hydrogen Europe Research.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CleverShuttle

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

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

This experimental science vessel will travel around the world during 6 years, navigating through 50 countries and stopping in 101 ports of call.Toyota France provided the crew with 8 vehicles to be used during each layover in the cities: 6 from the Toyota hybrid range and 2 Mirai.

This initiative is led by Victorien Erussard, an offshore sea racer and Merchant Navy Officer, and Jérôme Delafosse, an explorer and documentary director. It is sponsored by Nicolas Hulot, French Minister of “Transition Ecologique et Solidaire”, and Florence Lambert, Director of CEA-Liten*.The team is highly passionate, determined to create a tightly-knit community engaged in contributing to a sustainable future.

The Energy Observer will be in the following cities in France : Cherbourg from 26^th August to September 3^rd, Nantes from 9^th to 17^th September, Bordeaux at the end of September, then Marseille in October, Toulon in November and Monaco in December. The boat will then travel around the Meditteranean before heading to Northern Europe on its next leg.

###

^{*CEA-Liten, energy technology for the future: Based mainly in Grenoble and Chambéry (INES), CEA-Liten (Laboratoire d’Innovation pour les Technologies des Energies Nouvelles - Laboratory for Innovation in New Energy Technologies) is one of Europe’s most important centres for research into new energy technologies. CEA-Liten’s mission is to support France’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, in particular to meet energy requirements in transport, housing and mobile electronics. It also seeks to make businesses more competitive. CEA-Liten works hand in hand with industry - with 400 research partnership contracts every year - and is one of the CEA laboratories with the most patents (185 patents filed in 2011, 200 in 2012), managing a portfolio of 840 international patents.}

^{CEA-Liten is a major European research institute and a driving force behind the development of the sustainable energy technologies of the future. The institute is spearheading the EU's efforts to limit dependency on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in three key areas: renewable energy, energy efficiency/storage and development of materials.}

During the launch, members of the ‘Hydrogen Council’ confirmed their ambition to accelerate their significant investment in the development and commercialization of the hydrogen and fuel cell sectors. These investments currently amount to an estimated total value of €1.4 Bn/year^[1]. This acceleration will be possible if the key stakeholders increase their backing of hydrogen as part of the future energy mix with appropriate policies and supporting schemes.

Meeting in Davos for the first time on Tuesday, the ‘Hydrogen Council’ is currently made up of 13 CEOs and Chairpersons from various industries and energy companies committed to help achieve the ambitious goal of reaching the 2 degrees Celsius target as agreed in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The international companies currently involved are: Air Liquide, Alstom, Anglo American, BMW GROUP, Daimler, ENGIE, Honda, Hyundai, Kawasaki, Royal Dutch Shell, The Linde Group, Total and Toyota. The Council is led by two Co-Chairs from different geographies and sectors, currently represented by Air Liquide and Toyota.

A report entitled ‘How Hydrogen empowers the energy transition^[2]’ - commissioned by the Hydrogen Council – further details this future potential that hydrogen is ready to provide, and sets out the vision of the Council and the key actions it considers fundamental for policy makers to implement, to fully unlock and empower the contribution of hydrogen to the energy transition.

As global companies from major energy and industrial sectors, it is part of the corporate responsibility to provide solutions to manage the energy transition and move forward to a low-carbon, sustainable economy: joint action is required to tackle this formidable challenge. This is why we invite governments and key society stakeholders to also acknowledge the contribution of hydrogen to the energy transition and to work with us to create an effective implementation plan.

The members of the Hydrogen Council collectively represent total revenues of € 1.07 trillion and 1.72 million employees around the world^[3].

The Hydrogen Council Members:

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

Pascal Ruch said: "Air Liquide sends out a strong signal as the first customer of the Toyota Mirai in France. Toyota aspires to promote hydrogen mobility and teams up with partners in France who share the same ambitions. I am particularly proud that Air Liquide is the first amongst them. The Toyota Mirai, which means ‘Future’ in Japanese, is a fuel cell vehicle that combines strong environmental performance – only emitting water vapour – with the benefits of a conventional car: an autonomy of around 500 km and a refuelling time of between 3 to 5 minutes."

The handover took place at a highly symbolic location: the very first hydrogen fuelling station in Paris, built by Air Liquide at the Pont de l'Alma in December 2015, on the occasion of COP21. This station marks an important step for the hydrogen network and is evidence of the growing hydrogen energy business in France.

Hydrogen: a clean energy source, particularly for mobility
Air Liquide, the world leader in gases and technologies and services for industry and health, is actively involved in the development of hydrogen as a clean energy source, especially when it comes to mobility.

Hydrogen is an alternative to meet the challenges of clean transportation and contribute to preserving the environment. Hydrogen is part of the solution to overcome the challenges of the energy transition. Pierre-Etienne Franc commented: "The delivery of the Toyota Mirai complements our fleet of electric vehicles. We support the development of a hydrogen network by participating in the construction of hydrogen distribution solutions for mobility in Europe, the US, Japan and Korea. Having built 75 hydrogen stations across the globe and with many more currently under construction, we are pleased to see France step in."

Toyota Mirai: contributor to ambitious 2050 Toyota Environmental Challenges
Toyota has made a clear commitment to reduce the CO₂ emissions of its new vehicles by 90% in 2050 (compared to 2010 levels). The company believes hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be essential in achieving these ambitious targets. Toyota has been engaged in the research and development of automotive hydrogen fuel cell technology for over 20 years. The result of this hard work is the Toyota Mirai, a remarkable zero emissions car with a driving range of up to 500 km that can be refuelled in 3 to 5 minutes. Toyota started commercialising the Mirai in December 2014 and to date has delivered cars in Japan, the United States, Germany, UK, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway, with Sweden to follow later this year.

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

Hydrogen: offering new business opportunities

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

With support from Dutch Government

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

Toyota Mirai contributor to ambitious 2050 Toyota Environmental Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes to the editors:

H2 Logic:

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

http://h2logic.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes to the editors:

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

Announced today, the new initiative aims to trial a full-fledged carbon-neutral hydrogen supply chain powered by renewable wind energy. The trials will take place near the cities of Yokohama and Kawasaki in the Keihin coastal region.

For more information please visit: http://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/detail/mail/9279985

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sales outline Europe

Launch : September 2015

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

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

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

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

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

Mirai

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

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

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

Sales Outline Europe

Launch: September 2015

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

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

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

Production Plant

Motomachi Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

Vehicle Outline

1. TFCS provides superior environmental performance and convenience

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

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

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

Toyota FC Stack

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

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

FC Boost Converter

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

High-pressure Hydrogen Tanks

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

Key Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS) Specifications

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

FCV safety measures

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

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

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

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

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

Standard inclusion of advanced safety technologies:

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

3. Mirai's immediately recognizable design

Exterior

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

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

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

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

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

Six body colors are available.

Interior

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

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

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

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

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

Three interior colors are available, including Warm White.

Package

Battery layout enables abundant trunk storage space.

4. Superior handling stability and outstanding quietness enhances driving pleasure

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

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

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

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

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

Mirai Main Vehicle Specifications

¹Japanese for future

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

³As measured by Toyota when refueling at a hydrogen station supplying hydrogen at a pressure of 70 MPa under the SAEe J2601 Standard conditions (ambient temperature: 20°C, hydrogen tank pressure when fueled: 10 MPa). Time will vary depending on hydrogen fueling pressure and ambient temperature.

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

⁵As of November 2014, according to TMC research.

⁶Hydrogen storage mass per tank weight

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

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

⁹A trademark of Panasonic Electric Works Co. Ltd.

The consortium has brought together UK industry leaders and Government departments to assess the benefits of hydrogen as a fuel for road transport and has produced a roadmap detailing the steps to be taken for these to be realised. Its initial research has already identified the potential for 1.6 million hydrogen powered vehicles to be on Britain's roads by 2030.

The UK H₂Mobility project covers a wide spectrum of issues, from fuel production, supply and distribution, to the development of a practical national fuel infrastructure and the introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to the market. It has also explored public attitudes to hydrogen fuel, its potential to reduce environmental impact and the level of investment that will be required to make it a viable alternative to fossil fuels. With the benefit of the data and insights gained, the consortium is now developing a co-ordinated business plan in the second phase of the project.

The website provides an overview of all aspects of the project, setting out its aims and the key learnings from its initial phase of work. It gives explanations of hydrogen fuel and hydrogen refuelling stations, together with the principles of FCEVs and the contribution they can make to future low carbon transport. Profiles of the individual businesses and Government departments working together as part of UK H₂Mobility are provided along with an FAQ section that answers the most commonly asked questions about hydrogen fuel and the consortium's work.

Welcoming the new website, Chris O'Keefe, Chair of UK H₂Mobility Communications Committee said: "We believe it's important that the work UK H₂Mobility is doing is kept in the public eye. The more we can do to explain the advantages and possibilities that hydrogen fuel can deliver, the more we can build public interest and confidence in the technology.

"As manufacturers prepare to bring the first FCEVs to market in the next few years, we are keen to help the UK take a leadership role in securing the environmental, societal and business rewards which hydrogen fuel can deliver."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The UK H₂Mobility project was established to evaluate the benefits of FCEVs to the UK and to develop a roadmap for introduction of vehicles and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. The consortium is now developing a co-ordinated business plan in the second phase of the project. There are currently twelve industry participants (see above) in UK H₂Mobility together with three UK Government Departments — The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, The Department for Transport and the Department for Energy and Climate Change in addition to the European Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) are accepted by many as a viable long-term successor to today's diesel and petrol passenger vehicles, with many major global automakers developing FCEV.

Over the last few years the LHP has initiated over £50 million worth of hydrogen projects attracting and rolling-out new hydrogen buses, taxis, scooters, refuelling stations, materials handling vehicles and fuel cell Combined Heat and Power units to London.

Deputy Mayor, Kit Malthouse, said: "We want Toyota and the London Hydrogen Partnership to develop a roadmap for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refuelling station rollout. Toyota will provide invaluable insights and bring global experience to the Mayor's innovative 'smart' low carbon low emission transport activities. I welcome their commitment to London's positive economic future".

Graham Smith, Managing Director, Toyota Motor Europe, London Office commented:

"We are pleased to participate within the London Hydrogen Partnership and add our support to its ambitions to develop and enable clean, sustainable hydrogen fuel cell transport for the capital. Toyota believes this technology offers great potential for sustainable transport and will be among the first manufacturers to bring hydrogen-powered vehicles to the European market in 2015 where hydrogen supply infrastructure is in place.

"With the benefit of our extensive experience in fuel cell research and development as part of our mission to develop low carbon low emission transport, we aim to provide practical insights into how London might best encourage and benefit from hydrogen-powered transport.

"It is important that all interested parties, including vehicle manufacturers and government bodies, work together to help build a lower carbon society. The London Hydrogen Partnership provides an excellent forum for this, ensuring the benefits of fuel cell electric vehicles can be appreciated and realised through co-ordinated dialogue".

Ends

Notes to editors

The London Hydrogen Partnership (LHP) is the mechanism that links London's Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) stakeholders with each other and with The Mayor of London and Greater London Authority (GLA). It is a public-private partnership that accelerates the commercialisation of HFC technologies in London. We have a wide range of industry members including SMEs and multinational companies boasting a wide range of expertise, from fuel cell and vehicle powertrain development and integration to fuel supply and component manufacture.

The LHP has achieved major successes in recent years, and we have even bigger ambitions and plans for the future. The LHP core activities include:

• Securing funding: Over the last few years the LHP has initiated over £50 million worth of hydrogen projects attracting and rolling-out new hydrogen buses, taxis, scooters, refuelling stations, materials handling vehicles and fuel cell Combined Heat and Power units to London.
• Increasing profile and linking to wider Mayoral agendas and projects: The LHP will continue to profit from its support from the Mayor's Office to maximise the impact of major project launches in London. The LHP also enjoys the strong involvement of London's functional bodies (Transport for London, Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade) who are committed to London's hydrogen agenda and are already trialling a number of HFC technologies.
• Influencing UK and European policy: The LHP maintains dialogue with local, regional and national government and is actively promoting the capital's HFC agenda at the highest levels. London is also a Board member of HyER (Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Electro mobility for European Regions), providing access to the valuable regional HFC network across Europe and ensuring that relevant European policy meets our members' needs.
• Networking: The LHP provides an environment where partners across the hydrogen and fuel cell supply chains meet and develop new commercial partnerships and projects. The LHP supports the development of these projects, for example, through feasibility and funding application support, as well as by engaging with London customers and authorities to make new projects as easy to implement and commercially sustainable.

The LHP continues to catalyse significant and innovative HFC projects in London. We are also increasing the sector's profile amongst Government, businesses and Londoners alike. For more information visit http://www.london.gov.uk/lhp/

What is a 'fuel cell'? A 'fuel cell' generates electricity from an electrochemical reaction, oxidising hydrogen (the energy source) ions with oxygen atoms to form water (rather than using combustion as an internal combustion engine does), in the process electrons are released and flow through an external circuit as an electric current, powering the vehicles electric drivetrain. A fuel cell can run indefinitely as long as it is supplied with a source of hydrogen fuel with a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle having the benefit of near-silent operation, comparable range to an internal combustion engine, exceptional driveability and no tailpipe emissions.

Toyota City, Japan, November 5, 2012—Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces its financial results today for the six months ended September 30, 2012.

On a consolidated basis, net revenues for the first half of the fiscal year totaled 10.9 trillion yen, an increase of 36.1 percent compared to the same period last fiscal year. Operating income increased from a loss of 32.6 billion yen to 693.7 billion yen, an increase of 726.3 billion yen, while income before income taxes* was 794.5 billion yen. Net income** increased from 81.5 billion yen to 548.2 billion yen.

Major factors contributing to the operating income increase include the positive effects from marketing activities of 580.0 billion yen and cost reduction efforts of 230.0 billion yen. Negative effects of currency fluctuations decreased operating income by 60.0 billion yen.

Consolidated vehicle sales for the first half totaled 4.516 million units, an increase of 1.490 million units compared to the same period last fiscal year.

Commenting on the first half results, TMC Executive Vice President Satoshi Ozawa said: "For the first six months of this financial year, we have seen a significant increase in production in all regions compared to the same period last year when we suffered parts-supply shortages due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. Our business results on a consolidated basis also show increased profits over the same period last year. Although the strong yen continued to affect us, government measures in various countries and regions to spur demand increased vehicle sales and our companywide cost-improvement efforts continued to bear fruit."

In Japan, vehicle sales totaled 1.192 million units, an increase of 395 thousand units compared to the same period last fiscal year. Operating income from Japanese operations increased by 526.7 billion yen to 250.8 billion yen.

In North America, vehicle sales totaled 1.261 million units, an increase of 572 thousand units compared to the same period last fiscal year. Operating income increased by 121.0 billion yen to 182.6 billion yen, including 28.0 billion yen of valuation gains/losses on interest rate swaps. Operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses on interest rate swaps, increased by 108.7 billion yen to 154.6 billion yen.

In Europe, vehicle sales totaled 412 thousand units, an increase of 51 thousand units compared to the same period last fiscal year, while operating income increased by 13.9 billion yen to 12.0 billion yen.

In Asia, vehicle sales totaled 840 thousand units, an increase of 225 thousand units compared to the same period last fiscal year, while operating income increased by 63.9 billion yen to 194.5 billion yen.

In Central and South America, Oceania and Africa, vehicle sales totaled 811 thousand units, an increase of 247 thousand units compared to the same period last fiscal year, while operating income increased by 0.6 billion yen to 58.7 billion yen.

In the financial services segment, operating income increased by 3.4 billion yen to 174.5 billion yen compared to the same period last fiscal year, including 26.6 billion yen of valuation gains/losses on interest rate swaps. Excluding valuation gains/losses, operating income decreased by 15.5 billion yen to 147.8 billion yen. This was mainly due to reduced reversal of provisions for loan and residual losses in comparison to the same period last year.

TMC today revises its consolidated vehicle sales forecast for the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 from 8.800 million units to 8.750 million units, a decrease of 50 thousand units from TMC's forecast announced in August 2012, due to uncertainties in the Chinese and European market environments.

TMC also revises its consolidated financial forecasts for fiscal year 2013 to consolidated net revenue of 21.3 trillion yen, operating income of 1.05 trillion yen, income before income taxes of 1.18 trillion yen and net income of 780.0 billion yen, with the revision of an exchange rate of 79 yen to the U.S. dollar and 100 yen to the euro.

Commenting on the forecasts for FY2013, Ozawa said: "Although currency fluctuations have continued to affect our profits and the effect of current Japan-China relations on our sales is still unclear, we have revised the forecast we announced at the end of the first quarter to reflect the progress we have been making in our profit improvement activities. We intend to continue strengthening such activities and aim to create a profit structure able to withstand changes in the business environment."

TMC also announces an interim cash dividend of 30 yen per share, in consideration of such factors as operating results and investment plans.

*Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliated companies

**Net income attributable to Toyota Motor Corporation

(Please see below for details on financial results. Further information is also available at http://www.toyota-global.com/investors/financial_result/2013/

Cautionary Statement with Respect to Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements that reflect Toyota's plans and expectations.

These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Toyota's actual results, performance, achievements or financial position to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or financial position expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) the impact of natural calamities including the negative effect on Toyota's vehicle production and sales (ii) changes in economic conditions and market demand affecting, and the competitive environment in, the automotive markets in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia and other markets in which Toyota operates (iii) fluctuations in currency exchange rates, particularly with respect to the value of the Japanese yen, the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar and the British pound, and interest rates fluctuations (iv) changes in funding environment in financial markets and increased competition in the financial services industry (v) Toyota's ability to market and distribute effectively (vi) Toyota's ability to realize production efficiencies and to implement capital expenditures at the levels and times planned by management (vii) changes in the laws, regulations and government policies in the markets in which Toyota operates that affect Toyota's automotive operations, particularly laws, regulations and government policies relating to vehicle safety including remedial measures such as recalls, trade, environmental protection, vehicle emissions and vehicle fuel economy, as well as changes in laws, regulations and government policies that affect Toyota's other operations, including the outcome of current and future litigation and other legal proceedings, government proceedings and investigations (viii) political and economic instability in the markets in which Toyota operates (ix) Toyota's ability to timely develop and achieve market acceptance of new products that meet customer demand (x) any damage to Toyota's brand image (xi) Toyota's reliance on various suppliers for the provision of supplies (xii) increases in prices of raw materials (xiii) Toyota's reliance on various digital and information technologies and (xiv) fuel shortages or interruptions in electricity, transportation systems, labor strikes, work stoppages or other interruptions to, or difficulties in, the employment of labor in the major markets where Toyota purchases materials, components and supplies for the production of its products or where its products are produced, distributed or sold. A discussion of these and other factors which may affect Toyota's actual results, performance, achievements or financial position is contained in Toyota's annual report on Form 20-F, which is on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

The tour will last one month, with special event stopovers in nine European cities, where interested public will be given the opportunity to experience the benefits of this alternative drivetrain. Several cities on the tour route will be the first opportunity for the general public to approach and test drive FCEVs where the only emission is water.

The event aims to reach out to politicians, industry leaders, press and public to help improve awareness around FCEVs, delivering a clear message. While the technology exists for Hydrogen Vehicles today, there is a real need to improve hydrogen distribution infrastructure. This tour also marks the most widespread effort to promote FCEVs in Europe this year.

Starting in Hamburg on September 13, the FCEVs from participating manufacturers will afterwards move through Hannover, Bolzano, Paris, Cardiff, Bristol, Swindon, London and Copenhagen, supported by local organisations in each city. H2 Logic Denmark will provide mobile refuelling stations in some stopover cities.

The European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012 is part of the "H2moves Scandinavia" project. The project is the first European Lighthouse Project for hydrogen funded by the European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking programme launched by the European Commission and European industry stakeholders. The project focusses on gaining customer acceptance for hydrogen-powered FCEVs and preparing the market for hydrogen fuel cell technology. The experience from operating 19 FCEVs in Oslo and Copenhagen and the corresponding hydrogen refuelling infrastructure shows that the technology is reliable now even in harsh Scandinavian winters.

Michel Gardel, Vice-President Communications, External and Environment Affairs of Toyota Motor Europe today commented: "Toyota has been active in fuel cell technology for the last 20 years and we are working to commercialise our next-generation fuel cell car by 2015. The European Hydrogen Road Tour is a great opportunity for our company and partners to demonstrate the readiness of the technology to European consumers."

Dr. Christian Mohrdieck, Director drive development fuel cell system, Daimler AG points out the importance of this technology: "On our way to zero-emission mobility fuel cell electric vehicles - with their great range while at the same time short refueling times - will play a central role for the future. However, the success of this technology depends crucially on certain conditions being in place, such as the availability of a nationwide hydrogen infrastructure."

Thomas Brachmann, Automobile Engineering & Research, Honda RandD Europe (Deutschland) GmbH remarked that "Honda believe fuel cell electric vehicles are the ultimate mobility solution, providing a practical, clean and near silent answer to transport requirements. The European Hydrogen Road Tour offers a great opportunity to give the public, the media and government officials a chance to experience this zero emission technology for themselves."

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe describes their reasons for joining the tour: "Hyundai is proud to be playing an integral role in the European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012. The Hyundai ix35 FCEV clearly demonstrates not only our commitment to producing hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, but also the benefits of FCEV. As the availability and performance of this technology improves, we can look forward to FCEVs providing sustainable mobility to future generations while dramatically reducing climate change."

About Fuel cell electric vehicles: A fuel cell efficiently transforms hydrogen's chemical energy into electricity and heat. The only emission is pure water. In combination with an electric motor, it can be used to power vehicles, delivering a much higher driving range and faster refuelling time than battery electric vehicles.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles deliver performance comparable with today's conventional internal combustion engine vehicles but with zero tailpipe emissions and almost no sound whilst driving.

More information on the European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012 can be found on our project web-site. http://www.scandinavianhydrogen.org/h2moves/european-hydrogen-road-tour-2012

About H2moves Scandinavia: 

The goal with the project H2moves Scandinavia is to gain customer acceptance for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). By operating several FCEVs in Scandinavia and building one new hydrogen refuelling station in Oslo, the broad public has been introduced to a technology ready to be commercialised.

Read more about the project and follow the tour on our project web-site. http://www.scandinavianhydrogen.org/h2moves

Pictures from the project and the tour can be found on our Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/h2moves_scandinavia

"In our quest for sustainable mobility Toyota is investing in a range of environmentally friendly technologies to address key issues such as energy supply and transport emissions. Alongside Hybrids, Plug-in Hybrid Electric and pure Electric Vehicles, we believe that Fuel Cell Vehicles, or FCVs, will play an important role in realising a low carbon society.

"We plan to commercialise Fuel Cell Vehicles in 2015 and to achieve this goal a hydrogen charging infrastructure will be required. That is why we welcome the establishment of the UK H2 Mobility Group to confirm the potential for hydrogen as a low carbon fuel in the UK. A close and positive working relationship between vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure companies and Government is of vital importance.

"We look forward to mutual and constructive dialogue with members of UK H2 Mobility from which all participants can mutually benefit. We are strongly motivated to make our contribution to the further enhancement of leading edge environmentally friendly technologies in the UK".

Toyota Environmental Leadership in Sustainable Low Emissions Transport.

Toyota is one of the world's leading automotive companies and has a proud history of environmental leadership. It firmly believes that it must continue to make the environment a priority management issue for the automotive industry, if the automobile is to remain a positive force for progress. Only in this way can automakers successfully meet the challenges of the future, including CO₂ reduction, air quality and energy diversity.

Toyota strives for zero emissions at every stage of a vehicle's life cycle, from initial research and development, through design and customer use through to final disposal. Now more than ever it is committed to developing advanced and innovative technologies to make the break from dependence on oil, which is key to securing a low-carbon society.

Toyota's strategy of developing greener vehicles involves the simultaneous exploration of a wide variety of technological solutions including Hybrids, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, pure Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles. These different applications of full hybrid technology will each play their role and co-exist in the future, in line with Toyota's principle of "the right car at the right place at the right time".

Toyota has been researching fuel cell technology and hydrogen storage for almost 20 years and in 2002 its first generation of Fuel Cell Vehicles underwent field tests in Japan and the US. Most recently it revealed its FCV-R Concept (Tokyo Motor Show 2011), a vision for a practical saloon-type fuel cell vehicle that is scheduled for launch in 2015. (http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/concept_cars/fcv-r.html)

Within Toyota's broad-based hybrid power strategy Fuel Cell Vehicles will provide a practical solution for long distance driving and for powering larger sized vehicles, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles for mixed ranges and pure electric systems will be best suited to short journey, urban driving. For more information visit www.toyota-global.com.

The new programme — UKH2Mobility — brings together three Government Departments and industrial participants from the utility, gas, infrastructure and global car manufacturing sectors.

The group will evaluate the potential for hydrogen as a fuel for Ultra Low Carbon Vehicles in the UK before developing an action plan for an anticipated roll-out to consumers in 2014/15. It aims to:

• Analyse in detail the specific UK case for the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles as one of a number of solutions to decarbonise road transport and quantify the potential emissions benefits
• Review the investments required to commercialise the technology, including refuelling infrastructure and
• Identify what is required to make the UK a leading global player in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle manufacturing thereby paving the way for economic opportunities to the UK, through the creation of new jobs and boosting of local economies.

All of the participants have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to agree to share their knowledge and expertise.

Speaking at the launch of UKH2Mobility at the Royal Society Mark Prisk said:

"The UK is proving itself to be a key early market for ultra-low emission vehicles with growing numbers of electric and plug-in hybrids appearing on our roads. The Government is supporting this market by investing £400million to support the development, demonstration and deployment of low and ultra-low emission vehicles.

"Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are increasingly being recognised as one of the viable options as we move to a lower carbon motoring future. They are highly efficient, can be fuelled in minutes, travel an equivalent range to a conventional combustion engine, and have zero tail-pipe emissions."

"The UK has a number of world-class companies that are developing exciting technologies in both the hydrogen energy and automotive value chains and it is therefore vitally important that we identify what is required to make these cars a realistic proposition for UK consumers.

"UKH2Mobility will bring together industry expertise to establish the UK as a serious global player in the manufacture and use of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and the supporting infrastructure."

Jerry Hardcastle, Vice-President for Vehicle Design and Development at Nissan said:

"This is an important step for the automotive sector towards the development of clean vehicle technologies and zero emission mobility. It will lay many of the foundations for the commercial deployment of hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles which could represent a large segment of the UK market in the coming years. With this comprehensive list of partners we can be assured to have all the knowledge necessary to make UKH2 Mobility an exhaustive and credible study."

Kevin Michaelis, Regional Vice President, Liquid Bulk/Generated Gases—Europe, Air Products, said:

"This project brings together the leading hydrogen infrastructure providers, at the forefront of deployment worldwide, with the common goal of supporting the rollout of hydrogen transport across the United Kingdom.

"The hydrogen infrastructure sector has been working over a number of years to develop hydrogen transport in the UK. We are very pleased that the progress made is being recognised by the Government in this groundbreaking initiative that will shift the focus from RandD to deployment of hydrogen infrastructure.

"Working together with Government and leading car manufacturers we can support the creation of a hydrogen transport infrastructure that will dramatically cut harmful vehicle emissions and move the UK towards a zero carbon transport system."

Dr Henri Winand, Chief Executive of Intelligent Energy said:

"The UK H2Mobility is a ground-breaking industry led task force. Its job is to roll its sleeves up and ensure that the UK is well positioned for the commercial roll-out of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from 2014/15 as part of a balanced portfolio of drivetrains. Fuel cell vehicles, storage and refuelling technology are here today, they work! We now need to look at how we can make these elements, together with the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, work most effectively to enable the UK to take full advantage of hydrogen as a transport fuel stimulating inward investment, GDP growth and securing and creating new jobs".

UKH2Mobility will deliver its evaluation of the potential of hydrogen as a transport fuel by the end of 2012. If the results are positive, an action plan will be developed to work through the steps needed to get the UK ready to be one of the first markets for the global commercial roll out of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles.

Notes to Editors: 

• There are 13 industry participants (below) in UKH2Mobility together with three UK Government Departments — The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, The Department for Transport and the Department for Energy and Climate Change in addition to the European Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.
• Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles themselves share a large proportion of the electric motor and drive train technology with other electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles it is the energy storage/conversion devices that are different. The fuel cell is an electrochemical device like a battery, but unlike a battery it does not need recharging, can be refuelled quickly and will continue to generate power so long as it is fed with hydrogen fuel. They are highly efficient devices (50-60% compared to an average of around 20% for internal combustion engines) that produce no emissions or pollutants at the tail-pipe and much reduced overall well-to-wheel emissions when compared with today's petrol and diesel engines.
• Hydrogen is a clean energy carrier. When used as fuel in fuel-cell systems it does not produce any carbon emissions (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, unburned hydrocarbons or particulates). Therefore, using hydrogen will contribute to the improvement of air quality and the reduction of CO₂.
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric vehicles are seen as part of the portfolio of solutions that will be required to decarbonise road transport. The Automotive Council Roadmap identifies a pathway where fuel cell electric vehicles will complement hybrid and battery electric vehicles and more efficient internal combustion engines.
• The Government continues to take a technology-neutral approach to supporting low and ultra-low carbon vehicle technology and recognises that a portfolio of solutions will be required to decarbonise transport. The Plug-in Car Grant is open to all vehicles meeting the performance criteria, including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, pure electric and plug-in hybrid models. This Grant gives both private and business consumers a reduction in the upfront cost of eligible vehicles (http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/sustainable/olev/plug-in-car-grant/)
• Industry signatory parties to the Memorandum of Understanding are: Air Liquide Hydrogen Energy, SA Air Products PLC Daimler AG Hyundai Motor Company Intelligent Energy Limited ITM Power PLC Johnson Matthey PLC Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited Scottish and Southern Energy plc Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc The BOC Group Limited Toyota Motor Corporation Vauxhall Motors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Notes to the editors: 

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

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

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

TMC and Hino will modify their jointly developed "FCHV-BUS" fuel-cell hybrid bus to airport-route specifications and lease it to HySUT, and HySUT will outsource operation of the bus to Airport Transport Service. Starting on December 16, the bus will make one round trip per day on a route between Shinjuku Station's West Exit and Haneda Airport and on one between Tokyo City Air Terminal and Haneda Airport.

The bus will be fueled with hydrogen at Tokyo Suginami Hydrogen Station in central Tokyo and Haneda Hydrogen Station in Haneda both facilities are to begin operations on December 15.

TMC and Hino plan to analyze data from the operations of the bus and, with a mind toward practical application of fuel-cell hybrid buses, to proceed with further research and development.

Outline of the FCHV-BUS 

Development 

TMC and Hino both brought their own technologies and expertise to the development of the vehicle, with TMC responsible for developing the fuel-cell system and Hino the body, including the chassis.

The vehicle, with the same specifications as the fuel-cell hybrid bus currently in operation in the vicinity of Central Japan International Airport, has been revamped inside and out, and features necessary for the route operations are being added.

Main Features 

The bus is fitted with an electric-motor hybrid system powered by batteries and fuel cells, and is fueled with high-pressure hydrogen gas. During operation, the vehicle does not emit carbon dioxide, said to be a cause of global warming, or any other atmospheric pollutant such as nitrogen oxide it is both highly energy-efficient and very quiet.

Reference 

To mark the start of operations of the Hydrogen Highway Project, HySUT plans to hold a ceremony near Haneda Airport Terminal 2's bus stops at 11:30 on December 15.

Rainer Bomba, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS), said: "Germany aims to be the lead market for electric mobility. What has happened here today shows that we are on the right track. The future of transport lies in the electrification of the propulsion systems. No single technology will be enough to solve this challenge on its own.

Therefore, we are pursuing a non-technology-specific approach with our programmes and are promoting both battery and hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The industry, together with the German Federal Ministry of Transport, has earmarked around EUR 2 billion for this.

" The new partner will help ensure that innovations from Germany go on to become global technical standards. Toyota and the CEP partners seek to build a sustainable society with the help of hydrogen technology, and to pave the way into an era of zero-emissions mobility. Toyota will contribute five FCHV-adv fuel-cell hybrid vehicles to the partnership by 2011, so there will then be a total of 40 emission-free cars from six car manufacturers on the road in Berlin and Hamburg. Tadashi Arashima, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said: " We firmly believe that fuel cell hybrid vehicles, or FCHVs, will play a major role in reducing emissions and in achieving sustainable mobility, alongside petrol Hybrids, Plug-in Hybrids and pure electric vehicle.

These various applications of full hybrid technology will each play their role and co-exist in the future. Toyota aims at the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles around 2015. To achieve this goal, needless to say, a hydrogen charging infrastructure is necessary. So, a close tie-up between car manufacturers and infrastructure companies are of vital importance. " In Germany during the "Year of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells", the World Hydrogen Energy Conference (WHEC) in Essen, May 16-21, 2010 and the "Energy in Transition" information campaign will focus attention on the vast potential of hydrogen as a source of renewable energy.

With the construction of the first CO₂-free filling station by CEP’s partner TOTAL at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport and the opening of a hydrogen filling station on Holzmarktstrasse by the partners Linde, Statoil and TOTAL in the spring, the CEP is actively supporting the continuous expansion of the hydrogen Infrastructure with the help of the BMVBS. Other filling stations in Berlin, Hamburg and along the A24 autobahn are in planning.

The integration of renewable energy plays a major role in this. The declared objective of the Clean Energy Partnership is to increase the proportion of hydrogen produced using renewable energy to 50%. It is currently in talks with the German states of Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia in order to set up and integrate additional hydrogen centres, and thereby guarantee re-fuelling opportunities nationwide. Dr. Klaus Bonhoff, Chairman of the Management Board of NOW GmbH (National Organisation for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology), declared: "The CEP is a success story of the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Programme. The international interest it is receiving and Toyota’s becoming a partner confirm that the private sector around the world is banking on hydrogen with fuel cells as an efficient and sustainable technology. We need these new technologies to introduce renewable energies to the transport sector, and use them there efficiently. Otherwise we will not reach the global climate targets." The aim of the Clean Energy Partnership - an alliance of 13 leading companies - is to establish hydrogen as the “fuel of the future.”

Among the organisations involved in this trailblazing project are major technology, oil and energy players, as well as the majority of German car manufacturers and two leading public transport companies. Members include Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), BMW, Daimler, Ford, GM/Opel, Hamburger Hochbahn, Linde, Shell, StatoilHydro, TOTAL, Toyota, Vattenfall Europe and Volkswagen. Since 2008, the CEP has also received funding from Germany’s National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Programme (NIP). www.cleanenergypartnership.de

By leasing its fuel cell hybrid vehicles, TMC—which became the world's first automaker to commercialize a fuel cell vehicle when it began leasing the TOYOTA FCHV in Japan in December 2002—can obtain real-world feedback for further development, including efforts to improve the durability and reduce the cost of its proprietary high-performance polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the Toyota FC Stack.

This leasing, as well as TMC's participation in other cooperative efforts with the government, the energy industry and other parties concerned is aimed at helping to bring about the widespread use of fuel cell vehicles.

*Fuel cell hybrid vehicle-advanced

Vehicle Specifications

*Based on TMC calculations

The building block of the Toyota FC Stack is the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA), where engineers focused on the basic problem of internally produced water interfering with electrical generation within the MEA at low temperatures. Fundamental research, such as internal visualization tests, was carried out to understand the behavior and amount of water generated in the fuel cell, allowing engineers to optimize the MEA design to improve low-temperature startup. As a result, the TOYOTA FCHV-adv can start and operate in cold regions at temperatures as low as —30 degrees Celsius, meaning the vehicle can be used in a wider variety of conditions and climates.

In addition, fuel efficiency was improved by 25% through improving fuel cell unit performance, enhancing the regenerative brake system and reducing energy consumed by the auxiliary system. Further changes include incorporating degradation control for the electrode catalyst and improving fuel cell durability.

Furthermore, equipping the vehicle with TMC-developed 70Mpa high-pressure hydrogen tanks makes it possible to travel approximately 830km*2 on a single fueling—performance that more than doubles that of the TOYOTA FCHV-adv's predecessor, the TOYOTA FCHV.

While steadily conducting research and development to resolve issues such as how to improve the durability and reduce costs of the Toyota FC Stack, TMC is working with government, energy companies and other concerned parties to actively bring about widespread fuel cell vehicle use.

A Toyota FCHV-adv is to be provided as a test-ride vehicle at the Environmental Showcase within the International Media Center during the July 7-9 Hokkaido Toyako Summit.

*1Fuel cell hybrid vehicle-advanced

*210-15 test cycle, TMC calculations

Vehicle Specifications

*As based on TMC calculations

TMC's residential fuel cell cogeneration system combines a stationary fuel cell—jointly developed with Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (Aisin)—and a hot water storage tank. TMC will manufacture 28 units of the system for Toho, which plans to install them in homes in three prefectures (Aichi, Gifu and Mie) of Japan's Tokai District to collect data for a two-year period ending in March 2010.

TMC has positioned global environmental preservation as a priority management issue in terms of its corporate social responsibility and has been actively developing technologies and marketing products that will help solve environmental problems. TMC's continuing research and development of residential fuel cell cogeneration systems is part of this effort.

About TMC supply of fuel cell cogeneration systems

Every year during the three-year period from 2005 through 2007, the New Energy Foundation (NEF), the organization carrying out METI's Large-Scale Stationary Fuel Cell Demonstration Project, has been encouraging energy suppliers to participate in its verification project. TMC, as a fuel cell system manufacturer, provided 24 residential fuel cell cogeneration systems to energy supplier Toho, in 2006.

*Unless noted otherwise, the year mentioned is the business year starting from April 1 to March 31 of the following year.

Outline of the Residential Fuel Cell Cogeneration System 

1) Development TMC and Aisin jointly developed a residential fuel cell cogeneration system by fully utilizing each of their accumulated technologies and expertise: TMC developed the fuel cell and Aisin developed the overall system.

In the period between February and September 2005, two residential fuel cell cogeneration systems were installed at the residential complex for official participants of the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan (EXPO 2005 Aichi, Japan). A verification test, with the goal of commercialization in multi-unit housing complexes, was conducted.

In July 2006, based on Aichi Prefecture's New Energy Industry Development Program, a residential fuel cell cogeneration system was installed at the Aichi Prefectural Government Office, to begin verification tests to evaluate the system's energy-saving performance and reliability.

2) Main Features Compact size, highly efficient electricity generation, extremely quiet operation

3) Main Specifications The residential fuel cell cogeneration system consists of a fuel cell unit and a hot water storage tank.