Emits Only Water, Over 700km Range!

Toyota is finally launching a fuel cell (FC) vehicle. The "FCV-R" is a concept model proposed as a highly practical, dedicated fuel cell car, with market introduction planned around 2015.

As is well known, hydrogen is a promising future energy source that can be produced from various raw materials and is easy to store and transport. Fuel cell vehicles generate electricity through the chemical reaction of hydrogen to drive a motor, thus emitting no exhaust gases or CO2 while driving. While Toyota has previously conducted development and experiments using prototypes based on the Kluger, the announcement of the FCV-R, with its practical sedan body, signifies that Toyota's FC technology has entered a new phase.

While the front and rear styling are characteristic of a concept car, the overall packaging adopts the conventional saloon shape, suggesting that the production model will appear in a similar form.

The efficient packaging, achieved by placing the FC unit under the floor within a dedicated body, allows for ample luggage space and seating for four. Equipped with a 70 MPa (megapascal; *10 bar) high-pressure hydrogen tank and improved fuel cell stack efficiency, it is said to achieve a cruising range of over 700 km in JC08 mode.

While various hurdles remain for practical implementation, such as the issue of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, this vehicle is noteworthy as a new form of eco-conscious automobile distinct from EVs. Although no price has been announced, rumors suggest a price in the ¥4 million range, making its early arrival eagerly anticipated.

TOYOTA FCV-R
Body Dimensions: Length 4,745 x Width 1,790 x Height 1,510 mm
Wheelbase: 2,700 mm
Cruising Range (JC08 mode): Over 700 km