 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |
Image credits: © Toyota.
2011 Toyota FCV-R Concept news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
Toyota believes that, when it comes to the development of future powertrains to safeguard sustainable mobility, one size definitely does not fit all requirements.Different powertrain needs and solutions are determined not only by vehicle size and travel distance, but also by regional variations in energy availability, infrastructure and regulations.
As hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles replace most of today's conventional cars, electric vehicles will be used for short-distance travel, and fuel cell vehicles for middle- to long-distance journeys.
Reinforcing the company's environmental lead in the drive towards sustainable mobility, Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology has been specifically designed to be 'future proof', and is readily adaptable to use in Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV), Electric Vehicles (EV) and Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV).
The Significance of Fuel Cell Technology
Toyota believes that the solutions to energy and emissions issues offered by the Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) make it the closest technology yet to the ultimate eco-car, wîth 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 polyelectrolyte films sandwiched between separators. When hundreds of cells are stacked together, the result is a fuel cell 'stack', known as an FC stack.
Generating zero CO2, NOx or PM and wîth water vapour 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. This is about twice the efficiency possible wîth current generation petrol and diesel engines.
Not only does a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain's extreme efficiency save energy and drive down costs, it also delivers a uniquely quiet, smooth driving experience wîth the bare minimum of noise, vibration or harshness, while providing a long driving range and a refuelling process as quick as that of conventionally powered vehicles.
Key Challenge: The Hydrogen Infrastructure
Offering future global energy security, hydrogen can be made from a wide variety of raw materials, from petroleum and natural gas to biomass. It can also be produced through the electrolysis of water. Carrying out electrolysis using electricity generated from natural energy sources such as solar, wind or hydro-power enables the production of hydrogen without the commensurate generation of significant CO2 emissions.Nonetheless, a smooth shift to a hydrogen-based society will be a significant undertaking. Reaching a consensus on from what to make hydrogen, how to deliver it and how to implement a fuelling infrastructure depends on the combined efforts of all sectors of society, including governments.
To that end -and in anticipation of the imminent commercialisation of a number of FCVs - Toyota, amongst other manufacturers, signed a Letter of Únderstanding in September 2009 calling for oil and energy companies and government organisations to cooperate in the creation of hydrogen infrastructure networks of sufficient density in Europe, Japan, Korea and the Únited States in 2015.
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 powertrain.
Toyota's 20 Year History of Fuel Cell Development
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 wîth fuel cells, and petrol fuel tanks wîth 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 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. In the past decade, the company has continued its work on residential fuel cell development, put fuel cell buses on the road and, in 2008, launched the FCHV-adv.
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 km -more than twice that of its predecessor. Furthermore, the Toyota FCHV-adv could operate in -30°C, greatly improving its cold weather performance.
Fuel Cell Technology Development Challenges and Testing
Toyota is already overcoming some of the historical barriers to the creation of marketable fuel cell vehicles. This includes closing in on its goal to offer a driving range comparable to conventional powertrains and performance at temperatures down to -35°C.Following further fine-tuning and technological development, Toyota will introduce an affordable sedan-type FCV which matches the performance of conventional, combustion engine vehicle in Japan, the Ú.S. and Europe by 2015.
In addition, Toyota is preparing to be able to supply tens of thousands of vehicles annually in the 2020s, when FCVs are expected to achieve full, mass-market commercialisation. This market growth will be boosted by the further roll out of FCV technology, the increased availability of hydrogen refuelling stations and the reduction in costs which accompanies a maturing technology.
The Toyota FCV-R Concept - Futuristic Styling and Advanced Infotainment
 | Vital Stats |
Incorporating the Únder Priority and Keen Look design elements of the latest Toyota family design, the front and rear styling employs a 'W' motif, symbolizing the fuel cell cooling system. This creates a sleek, aerodynamically efficient cabin silhouette and a unique road presence.
Within the clean, crisply detailed interior, the seats are 'robed' in the manner of traditional Japanese costume. A centre console-mounted, twin-screen evolution of Toyota Touch Life -recently launched on Toyota iQ- provides easy access to the main infotainment controls.
The lower, icon-display touch-screen is designed to control the navigation, audio and air conditioning systems. Located within the driver's line of sight to minimise distraction time, the upper screen displays the most relevant driver information, including the navigation map and guidance in 3D.
The system has been designed for easy connection wîth a smartphone, both replicating phone applications on the vehicle's display screen and relaying vehicle information to the phone.
Much of the smart thinking behind the Toyota FCV-R can be seen in the interior packaging. The vehicle is just 4,745 mm long, 1,510 mm high and 1,790 mm wide. The fuel cell stack is smaller than in previous FCVs, and sits under the seats, along wîth twin hydrogen tanks.
The combined volume of the hydrogen tanks equips the Toyota FCV-R wîth a driving range of approximately 700 km whilst generating zero CO2, NOx or PM and wîth water vapour the only emission. The twin hydrogen tanks and the FC stack are located beneath the vehicle floor, maximising both cabin and luggage space to create an entirely practical family sedan. (concept carz)
TMC to Unveil New Concept Cars at Tokyo Motor Show
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will feature several concept cars to highlight its Toyota-brand exhibit at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show. The concepts aim to make fresh proposals concerning the dream and joy of motor vehicles under the concept 'Fun to Drive, Again.'*1. The show, under the theme 'Mobility can change the world', will be held from November 30 through December 11*2 at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, Tokyo.The Toyota-brand display will include a concept car that heralds a future where people, cars, and society are linked, as well as a compact rear-wheel-drive sports vehicle that reaffirms the joy of driving and the pleasure of motor vehicle ownership. Also planned for display are a diverse selection of next-generation eco-cars including a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), which represents the technology TMC considers best suited for widespread use to effectively meet CO2 emissions restrictions and the diversification of energy.
FCV-R (Fuel Cell Vehicle - Reality & Revolution, world premiere)
A practical sedan-type next-generation fuel-cell concept vehicle fueled by hydrogen, a promising source of CO2 emission-free energy that can be produced from a variety of sources and can be easily stored and transported. This concept model is a highly practical fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) 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 boasts impressive luggage space. The fuel cell stack, consisting of a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, has been improved to provide a cruising distance of approximately 700 km or more (under the JC08 test cycle; according to TMC).*1Revival of Toyota-brand catchphrase 'Fun to Drive', used in domestic Japanese advertisements from 1984 through 1987
*2Press days, November 30 - December 1; special guest day, December 2; public days, December 3-11Source - Toyota
The FCV-R is a fuel cell sedan concept wîth the 'R' standing for Reality and Revolution. The Fun-Vii has been engineered to be able to connect wirelessly wîth the infrastructure and surrounding roads. The 'Vii' is an abbreviation for Vehicle, interactive, internet.Source - Toyota
| VOLVO CAR GROUP ALMOST DOUBLES PRODUCTION OF THE INNOVATIVE V60 PLUG-IN HYBRID | |
 | The success of the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid, the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, continues. Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) is now ramping up production by 90 per cent, just to keep up with the demand. The increased demand, especially in Holland, Belgium and Italy, means that the Plug-in Hybrid production at Volvo Cars' Torslanda plant in Sweden will be increased continuously from 150 to 282 units per week. All in all, Volvo Cars will produce 7,600 plug-in hybrids in 2013 - and the 2014 tar...[Read more...] |
| #TOYOTA AND #LEXUS IN THE U.S. ACCOUNTED FOR NEARLY 2 MILLION OF TOTAL 5 MILLION GLOBAL HYBRID SALES REVEALED TODAY | |
 | Torrance, Calif., April 16, 2013 - Nearly 2 million (1,951,243) Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles have been sold in the United States, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. The announcement was made today by Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A, Inc. in conjunction with Toyota Motor Corporation's announcement in Japan that it has sold 5 million hybrid vehicles worldwide. Toyota estimates that its global fleet of nearly 20 hybrid vehicles has resulted in approximatel...[Read more...] |
| TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID NAMED 2013 'BEST GREEN CAR' AT ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW | |
 | The all-new Toyota Avalon Hybrid was named the 'Best Green Car' at the 2013 Atlanta International Auto Show by the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association (GAAMA). The group of automotive journalists has been awarding 'best of show' vehicles for four years running, said Davis Adams, president of GAAMA. 'The Avalon is an impressive option in the green car category, with size, luxury and fuel efficiency that make it a standout in a segment otherwise crowded with smaller economy cars,' Adam...[Read more...] |
| EMPIRE STATE OF DRIVE: FORD C-MAX ENERGI PLUG-IN HYBRID QUALIFIES FOR NEW YORK CARPOOL LANE ACCESS | |
 | •The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has approved the all-new Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid for its Clean Pass vehicle carpool lane access program •C-MAX Energi offers a top speed of 85 mph – 20 more than Toyota Prius Plug-in – and a total range of up to 620 miles, enabling drivers to get where they're going in a zippy fashion without having to worry about finding a gas station •C-MAX Energi meets the long-distance challenges of New York's super-commuters who also ...[Read more...] |
| Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid wins EBUS Award | |
 | • Award for the advanced hybrid technology from Mercedes-Benz • Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid impresses with synergies from the passenger car segment • Judges praise the 'seriousness' of development efforts In the fuel cell bus category, the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid won the EBUS Award, the environmental award for public local transport. Roman Biondi, brand spokesman for Mercedes-Benz buses and EvoBus, and Ulrich Piotrowski, the Market Launch Manager for Mercedes-Benz hybrid and electric buses, a...[Read more...] |
2011| Similar Automakers | |
| Honda | Jaguar |
| Nissan | Saab |
| Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Volvo | |
| Toyota: 2011-2020 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Toyota History |
| Other models by Toyota |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| 2012 Detroit Auto Show |
| 2012 Geneva Salon International de l'Auto |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000 GT 4Runner Avalon Camry | Celica Coaster Corolla Corona | FJ Cruiser GT-One GT86 Highlander | Land Cruiser Land Cruiser 40 Series Land Cruiser 70 Matrix | MR2 Prius RAV4 Sequoia | Sienna Starlet Supra Tacoma | Tundra Venza Yaris |
© 1998-2012. All rights reserved. The material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
