Toyota’s got fuel cells in mind

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced it has two hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (HFCV) concepts waiting in the wings.

The Fine-Comfort Ride sedan promises performance with a 310kW motor offering a 220km/h top speed and a zero-100km/h dash in just 5.4 seconds.

It promises to do this with a 1000km range on a single tank of compressed hydrogen.

The Sora bus concept is nearing production as Toyota plans to begin selling it in Japan in 2019, ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It will make an initial 100 units with potential for more.

The Fine-Comfort Ride promises a unique interior design that allows for reclined adjustable seating in a diamond-shaped cabin that narrows at the rear to offer maximum occupant space with great aerodynamic profile.

The sporty HFCV will be front-engined with the hydrogen tank mounted under the floor, as a continuation of the Fine-S fuel cell concept at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show.

The Sora bus uses the Mirai’s fuel cell drivetrain including two 114kW fuel cell stacks and two 113kW, 335Nm electric motors with 10 high-pressure hydrogen tanks to give 600 litres of compressed hydrogen capacity.

The nature of the hydrogen fuel cell powerplant means it comes with an external power supply of 9kW and 235kWh, making it usable as a mobile power source in times of emergency.

Instantaneous acceleration from the fuel cell powertrain means a control system will allow for gentle forward progress without lurching and that voids throwing standing passengers around.

Sora will also get a V2V and V2X intelligent transport system (ITS) which will supposedly supports safer driving and prioritises it over regular traffic.

An “automatic arrival control” feature will detect guidance lines on the road and coax the bus into position, allowing 3-6cm of clearance to the bus stop. The idea being to provide consistent boarding and departure gaps for passengers.