Toyota Believes That the solutions to energy and emissions issues Offered by the Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) technology make it the closest yet to the ultimate Eco-car, with hydrogen as an ideal, ultra-clean energy source.Producing electricity through a chemical reaction Between hydrogen (stored in the vehicle) and oxygen (from the air), a fuel cell structure comprises electrodes and poly electrolyte films Sandwiched Between separators.
Generating zero CO2, NOx or PM and with water vapor the only emission, a fuel cell displays outstanding energy efficiency. In theory, it can convert as much as 83% of hydrogen's energy into electric power. In Europe, a hydrogen infrastructure has already Begun to emerge. It is of sufficient density to allow Toyota to road test and build the profile of hydrogen fuel cells as a viable power-train.
Toyota began work on FCVs in 1992, developing its own hydrogen fuel cells and high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks in house. The company APPLIES its own Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to FCV development, Replacing petrol engines with fuel cells, and petrol fuel tanks with high pressure hydrogen tanks. The Toyota FC stack is a performance leader in fuel cell technology.
Toyota demonstrated its first Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in 1996.
Every year since then, the company has improved fuel cell technology and extended its capabilities to increase of performance, driving range and commercial viability. In 2002, Toyota developed the world's first Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle for limited lease, and the first FC bus certified by Japanese government. The Toyota FCHV-adv Offered a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency and, through the use of Toyota-developed, 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, had a single-fill-up cruising range of approximately 830 miles-more than twice That of its predecessor.
Toyota is already Overcoming some of the historical barriers to the creation of marketable fuel cell vehicles. A center console-mounted, twin-screen evolution of Toyota Touch Life-recently-launched on the Toyota iQ provides easy access to the main infotainment controls. The vehicle is just 4.745 mm long, 1.510 mm 1.790 mm high and wide. The fuel cell stack is smaller than in previous FCVs, and sits under the seats, along with twin hydrogen tanks.
