Toyota's Fuel Cell bus. (Image courtesy of Toyota.)
According to specs released by Toyota, the FC bus will can cart around a total of 77 passengers when packed to the gills. To power this machine Toyota’s engineers have assembled 10 high-pressure hydrogen tanks that will hold 600 liters (159 gallons) of hydrogen fuel at approximately 700 bar. To spin this FC Bus’ wheels two electric motors generating a combined 226kW (303 HP) power and 670 Nm (404 ft. lbs.) of torque will be fixed to vehicle.
But beyond being a CO2 busting public transport option, the FC Bus has another trick up its sleeve. With its 235 kWh electric supply, the buses can also be used as mobile power generation stations in the event of natural disasters and emergencies.
While Toyota hasn’t stated whether it will begin sales by focusing on Japanese municipalities, international adopters, or both, the company plans to introduce more than 100 FC Buses, primarily in the Tokyo area in the lead up to the 2020 Olympic Games in an effort to highlight the benefits of its clean transportation technology.
“The Toyota Group considers the use of hydrogen to be a powerful source of energy for the future. Toyota has released the Mirai FCV, while also engaging in the technological and product development of FC buses, fuel cell forklifts, as well as stationary fuel cells for use in homes. Going forward, the group will accelerate developments in a unified manner, so as to contribute to the realization of a hydrogen-based society.”
If Toyota’s vision does come to fruition, Tokyo’s month-long close up on the global stage could highlight the city’s eco-friendly approach to urbanization along with the usual athletic achievements.
Wondering where all the hydrogen for Toyota’s buses will come from? Read about mass-producing low-cost hydrogen.