Introducing Fuel Cell Vehicles

June 30, 2002 – Vol.7 No.14

INTRODUCING FUEL CELL VEHICLES.

As a way to accelerate the development of fuel cell powered passenger vehicles and introduce the technology to the world, Toyota will begin limited marketing of its FCHV-4 hybrid fuel cell vehicle by the end of this year - earlier than originally planned.

But don’t rush to your local dealership yet. The company that was the first to sell a hybrid electric vehicle to the mass market (the Prius) will lease a total of only 20 vehicles in the first year, and those will be spread between U.S. and Japanese markets. Further, to qualify for a lease you must have access to a hydrogen supply and after-sales service for the vehicle. Toyota will be targeting at technology related companies, institutional organizations and research facilities as potential customers.

The FCHV-4 is based on the Highlander sport utility vehicle (known as the Kluger-V in Japan). The 5-passenger hybrid fuel cell SUV is fueled with pressurized hydrogen. A nickel metal hydride battery pack assists the 90-kilowatt polymer electrolyte (a.k.a. proton exchange membrane (PEM)) fuel cell, for hill climbing and acceleration. Top speed is more than 90 miles per hour (150 kph), but the range per tankful of hydrogen for the 4000 lb (1850 kg) vehicle has not been disclosed by Toyota, nor have the terms of the lease. It seems likely, however, that Toyota will lease the vehicles at less than the cost of producing them as a way to attract customers and because the lease program appears to be part of the vehicle’s development efforts.

By introducing the FCHV earlier than planned, the company will speed the development of the vehicle and fuel cell technology. All and any new motor vehicle technology, including fuel cell, needs to be tested extensively in a wide variety of real world situations over a number of years and miles driven. To date, Toyota admits that its fleet of FCHV-4’s has driven a cumulative 68,000 miles (110,000 kilometers) in the year since its introduction. Many more miles need to be driven - a way to prove and improve the technology - before the vehicles can be released for sale to the general public. Visit Toyota Media at http://pressroom.toyota.com/ .