Toyota Motor Corporation has recently announced its plans to conduct public road tests of a commercial van in Australia starting next spring. This new van will be powered by a combination of a hydrogen engine and an electric motor, making it potentially the world’s first vehicle to use this innovative technology.
The hydrogen-electric hybrid HiAce van was revealed to the media in Shizuoka Prefecture and is set to offer a driving range of 250 kilometers, which is a 20% increase compared to when it solely runs on hydrogen. This move is part of Toyota’s larger strategy to provide a variety of environmentally friendly vehicles, including gasoline-electric hybrids, hydrogen-powered fuel cells, and battery electric vehicles, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and meet the demands of different markets.
While Toyota has been testing hydrogen-engine vehicles in Australia since the previous year, the decision to introduce a hybrid model with an electric motor comes as a response to challenges such as limited range and the scarcity of hydrogen stations in the region. This development aims to address concerns raised by customers who have faced issues with the lack of nearby hydrogen refueling stations and the relatively high cost of fuel for these vehicles.
Toyota’s executive vice-president, Hiroki Nakajima, acknowledged the difficulties faced by customers and emphasized the company’s commitment to overcoming these obstacles in order to promote the adoption of hydrogen-based technologies and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society. By introducing innovative solutions like the hydrogen-electric hybrid van, Toyota is taking a significant step towards achieving its environmental goals and supporting the transition to cleaner transportation options.
