Mazda Delivers Hydrogen RX-8 to Japan Automobile Research Institute

14 March 2007

Mazda Motor has delivered one dual-fueled RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle, which runs on either gasoline or hydrogen, to the Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI). The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE has a rotary engine with a dual-fuel system that allows the driver to select either gasoline or hydrogen fuel with a switch. (Earlier post.)

JARI is working with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) on the Establishment of Codes & Standards for a Hydrogen Economy Society project. The RX-8 Hydrogen RE will be used as part of its R&D activities to review the regulations regarding the safety of hydrogen vehicles, establish examination and evaluation techniques and create proposals for international standards.

The hydrogen supply will mainly come from JARI’s own hydrogen station at their facility in Tsukuba city.

Mazda attained approval to test the RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle on public roads in Japan from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) in October 2004. Since March 2006, Mazda has supplied six vehicles to government and private enterprises for use in various events and initiatives.

From 19 through 23 February 2007, Mazda collaborated with the MLIT’s Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau (HRDB) to conduct cold weather testing of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE in Muroran city, Hokkaido Prefecture. The vehicle delivered to JARI is the seventh RX-8 Hydrogen RE that Mazda has supplied.