Toyota unveiling new hydrogen fuel cell concept vehicle indicative of 2015 production model at Tokyo Motor Show; Aqua hybrid and FT-EV III
15 November 2011
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| The FCV-R concept. Click to enlarge. |
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will stage the world premiere of the FCV-R, a practical sedan-type next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell concept vehicle, at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. Toyota calls this concept model “a highly practical fuel-cell vehicle” that is planned for launch in about 2015.
With the fuel-cell unit located beneath the specially designed body, the vehicle can accommodate up to four passengers and offers what Toyota calls “impressive” luggage space. The fuel cell system, along with a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, has been improved to provide a cruising distance of approximately 700 km (435 miles) or more under the JC08 test cycle, according to TMC.
Four other concepts or prototypes will also have their world premieres at the Tokyo show:
The Aqua, an affordably priced compact-class dedicated hybrid vehicle. Toyota says that the Aqua represents the future of compact vehicles with a fuel efficiency of approximately 35 km/L (82 mpg US, 2.86 L/100km) under the JC08 test cycle; 40 km/L (94.1 mpg US, 2.5 L/100km) under the 10-15 test cycle. The body, at less than four meters long, offers outstanding handling, while the minimized height enhances aerodynamic performance, providing comfortable maneuverability with stylish proportions.The Aqua. Click to enlarge. The hybrid system combines a 1.5-liter engine with a high-output motor to create a low center of gravity for enjoyable operation and outstanding maneuverability, all while still offering interior comfort and ample luggage space.
Following the launch in Japan, scheduled for late December 2011, the Aqua will be sequentially rolled out to other countries and regions worldwide.
The FT-EV III is an electric concept vehicle with an ultra-compact and lightweight package suitable for short-distance trips. TMC says it is developing EVs with the aim of launching a vehicle suitable for short-distance travel in 2012. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the FT-EV III achieves an estimated cruising range of 105 km (65 miles) on a fully charged battery.
- The Toyota Fun-Vii, a concept vehicle that heralds a future where people, cars and society are linked.
The prototype model of a compact rear-wheel-drive vehicle jointly developed by Fuji Heavy Industries and TMC.
Toyota is also holding the Japan premiere of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid at the show.
Will these become part of future expanded Prius electrified vehicles brand?
Posted by: HarveyD | 15 November 2011 at 07:51 AM
Interesting. Why the 20kW battery AER 65M if it has a CS mode? Looks like oil industry will try to stave off end of filling stations with H2. How many pumps? And ask, would you recharge your cellphone at home or the gas station?
Posted by: Reel$$ | 15 November 2011 at 08:06 AM
Hurry... 435 miles range with a fuelcell. Chris m pusched lithium ion battery and look at what happen only microcospic sale for lithium ion even if it's on the matrket for over a year now. Peoples will like fuelcell and lauph at lithium ion that cannot operate in winter in the snow. Chris m make us live in the neanderthal age.
They should sale these hydrogen fuelcell right now. Postpone any expenditures except for fuelcell till 2015.
Posted by: A D | 15 November 2011 at 11:26 AM
A.D.
I agree. The US government should nationalize Toyota and ORDER them to start manufacturing them NOW and selling them for less than $ 15000!!!!!!
Posted by: Arne | 16 November 2011 at 03:45 AM
Future FCs, without rare expensive metals, may eventually be lighter and cheaper than equivalent ICE. The price and availability of hydrogen is another problem to be addressed.
Posted by: HarveyD | 16 November 2011 at 11:22 AM
The Plug-in Hybrid will always offer the most advantages. BEVs are a distant 2nd, and lastly fuel cell vehicles with the least practical applicability and benefit. Combustable hydrogen is more useful in the plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The car driven least is best. Toward that goal, the plug-in hybrid goes furthest.
Posted by: Sirkulat | 16 November 2011 at 11:42 AM
Anne/A D, if they built them today for less than $15k, where would you fill up?
Just asking...
Posted by: danm | 16 November 2011 at 04:49 PM
Good point, danm. And at $6/gge, who would buy them even at $15,000?
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 16 November 2011 at 07:51 PM
@ danm and engineer-poet.
They will fill at an available hydrogen station, they were build for that. Don't forget that an hydrogen suv do 75 mpge with hydrogen, so even at 6/gge it's beneficial and there is absolutelly no pollution.
Posted by: A D | 18 November 2011 at 07:56 AM
So you're saying it looks like this:
H2 FCEV operating cost: $6/gge, 75 MPGe, 8¢/mi.
H2 FCEV fuel network amortization cost: unknown, but probably large.
EV energy consumption: ~300 Wh/mi at the wall.
EV energy cost, high: 15¢/kWh
EV energy cost, low: 5¢/kWh
EV operating cost: 1.5-4.5¢/mi
EV electric grid amortization cost: zero at first, then minimal.
There's also the uncomfortable fact that hydrogen is more easily made from coal and natural gas than renewable energy of any kind. The whole point of hydrogen is to keep the fossil-fuel producers in control of the market.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 20 November 2011 at 12:50 PM