Thursday, November 7, 2013

Hydrogen fuel cell car unveiled by Toyota for 2015

The auto manufacturer has just released information on the concept that will become a vehicle in two years.
Fuel Cell Technology
The fuel cell vehicle (FCV) is the nearest thing yet to an "ultimate eco-car" that offers solutions to energy and emissions issues.
FCVs are powered by fuel cells, which generate electricity from hydrogen, which is not only environmentally friendly and highly energy-efficient, but can also be produced using a variety of readily available raw materials. Thanks to these characteristics, fuel cell vehicles are ideal for achieving sustainable mobility. Therefore, Toyota is striving to make this vehicle technology widely available as soon as possible.
Another step toward fuel cell vehicle commercialization with TOYOTA FCHV-adv
The steady realization of performance goals is shown by improved subzero startup and dramatically extended cruising range.

Successful startup: -30° Celsius

Extended cruising range: 830km (JC08 mode) without refueling
Toyota's hybrid technology is a core technology for fuel cell vehicles, too.
Combining hybrid and fuel cell technologies

Toyota's energy management technology yields high efficiency
At a steady cruising speed, the motor is powered by energy from the fuel cell. When more power is needed, for example during sudden acceleration, the battery supplements the fuel cell's output. Conversely, at low speeds when less power is required, the vehicle runs on battery power alone. During deceleration the motor functions as an electric generator to capture braking energy, which is stored in the battery.
Next-generation fuel-cell vehicle "Toyota FCV Concept"
(World Premiere at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013)
The Toyota FCV Concept is a practical concept of the fuel cell vehicle Toyota plans to launch around 2015 as a pioneer in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The vehicle has a driving range of at least 500 km and refueling times as low as three minutes, roughly the same time as for a gasoline vehicle.
The vehicle's exterior design evokes two key characteristics of a fuel cell vehicle: the transformation of air into water as the system produces electricity, and the powerful acceleration enabled by the electric drive motor. The bold front view features pronounced air intakes, while the sleek side view conveys the air-to-water transformation with its flowing-liquid door profile and wave-motif fuel cap. The theme carries to the rear view, which conveys a catamaran's stern and the flow of water behind.
With Toyota's proprietary small, light-weight FC Stack and two 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tanks placed beneath the specially designed body, the Toyota FCV Concept can accommodate up to four occupants.
The Toyota FC Stack has a power output density of 3 kW/L, more than twice that of the current "Toyota FCHV-adv" FC Stack, and an output of at least 100 kW. In addition, the FC system is equipped with Toyota's high-efficiency boost converter. Increasing the voltage has made it possible to reduce the size of the motor and the number of fuel cells, leading to a smaller system offering enhanced performance at reduced cost.
Fully fueled, the vehicle can provide enough electricity to meet the daily needs of an average Japanese home (10 kWh) for more than one week.

Vehicle Toyota FCV Concept
Length 4,870 mm
Width 1,810 mm
Height 1,535 mm
Wheelbase 2,780 mm
Seating 4
・World Premiere at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013

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