HINO HELPS DEVELOP FUEL CELL BUS

Hino Motors Limited and parent company Toyota Motor Corporation have begun trialling a new fuel cell bus in Toyota City to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the technology in public transport applications.

Hino developed the vehicle together with Toyota using the Toyota Fuel Cell System from the recently revealed Mirai fuel cell vehicle.  

The new Hino-Toyota Fuel Cell Bus is equipped with eight high-pressure hydrogen tanks, as well as two fuel cell stacks and two motors to provide the required power output. 

The fuel cell bus showcases some of the additional possibilities on offer with the technology, including a system for supplying electric power to buildings and other facilities during emergencies.

Hydrogen fuelling of the bus is being carried out at Toyota Ecoful Town - an area of Toyota City which uses next generation, low carbon environmental technology on a daily basis.

The bus began servicing the Toyota Oiden bus route in Toyota City earlier this month.

The verification testing is being conducted with the cooperation of Toyota City as part of a public fuel cell bus road trial and emergency external power supply testing scheme, which is being promoted by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Hino Australia Manager - Product Strategy Daniel Petrovski said the fuel cell technology is another reminder of the brand's commitment to environment-focused engine technologies.

"Hino has held a long-term commitment to hybrid technology, and the new fuel cell bus currently on trial shows a whole new range of possibilities," Mr Petrovski said.

"Its development is also a reminder of the strength of the Hino brand and it shows what the company can do together with its parent company, the Toyota Motor Corporation."

Hino-Toyota Fuel Cell Bus specifications