Toyota Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle Advanced Model

Toyota has doubled the range of its fuel cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV-adv) mostly by doubling the maximum storage pressure. The maximum storage pressure went from 35 to 70 Mpa, which allows the new fuel cell hybrid to more than double it's range from 205 miles (330 km) to 516 miles (830 km).

They also improved fuel efficiency by 25% through improvements in the fuel cell unit performance, by enhancing the regenerative brake system and by reducing energy consumed by the auxiliary system.

They also improved low temperature starts. Internally produced water was interfering with the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA). Toyota engineers have been working to alleviate this issue. Refinements have allowed starts at as low as -30 degrees Celsius.

The FCHV-adv will be available for leasing later this year in Japan. Toyota does not know when it will become available elsewhere.

The fuel cell hybrid mates an electric motor to a fuel cell stack, which means the only emissions are water vapor.

Comparison between the old FCHV and the advanced FCHV from Toyota

Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle		TOYOTA FCHV-adv	TOYOTA FCHV
Overall length/width/height (mm)		4,735/1,815/1,685	4,735/1,815/1,685
Weight (kg)		1,880	1,880
Seating capacity		5	5
Maximum cruising range (km)* 10-15 test cycle/JC08 test cycle		Approx. 830/Approx. 760	Approx. 330/ -
Maximum speed (km/h)		155	155
Fuel cell	Name	Toyota FC Stack	Toyota FC Stack
	Type	Polymer electrolyte	Polymer electrolyte
	Output (kW)	90	90
Motor	Type	Permanent magnet	Permanent magnet
	Maximum output in kW (ps)	90 (122)	90 (122)
	Maximum torque in N-m (kg-m)	260 (26.5)	260 (26.5)
Fuel		Hydrogen	Hydrogen
Storage system		High-pressure storage tanks	High-pressure storage tanks
Maximum storage pressure (MPa)		70	35
Tank capacity (L)		156	148
Battery		Nickel-metal hydride	Nickel-metal hydride

*As based on TMC calculations