FROM this month, Toyota Australia is testing a prototype hydrogen-fuelled inside combustion engine powered (H2-ICE) HiAce Commuter as a part of a world pilot program it says will kind one other avenue of its multi-pathway method to decarbonisation.
Initially, the car will endure real-world testing with CPB Contractors with each day stories on the autos progress fed again to go workplace.
The HiAce Commuter H2-ICE is alleged to provide solely “ultra-low CO2 tailpipe emissions” whereas on the identical time providing manufacturing and improvement value advantages.
The three.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 (petrol) engine utilised within the software is similar to that present in different Toyota (LandCrusier 300 Sequence, Tundra, Sequoia) and Lexus (LX600) fashions, fitted solely with completely different gasoline injectors and a trio of hydrogen tanks (sourced from the Toyota Mirai).
It runs the identical 10-speed computerized transmission and drives the rear wheels.
The V35A-series engine – which is on the market within the HiAce in different markets – has been modified to run on compressed hydrogen gasoline, utilizing a singular direct-injection system, ECU tune, and SCR exhaust system with AdBlue injection. It meets Euro 6 emissions requirements.
Most energy is rated at 120kW (185kW lower than the petrol equal) and 354Nm (-296Nm).
Toyota has but to supply gasoline consumption or emission figures however says the hydrogen powertrain fitted to the HiAce Commuter H2 leads to nearly zero CO2 tailpipe emissions, with the method of igniting hydrogen within the engine producing small quantities of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), that are lowered by the selective catalytic discount system.
Past the driveline, Toyota says the 12-seat HiAce Commuter was chosen for the prototype program for packaging causes, the massive van providing the chance to put in the engine up entrance and the hydrogen tanks underneath the ground, making certain minimal affect on area and payload.
Given vary limitations of the prototype (restricted to roughly 200km), it’s at the moment finest suited to worksite and shorter back-to-base operations.
“This expertise presents the potential for Toyota to provide autos that meet the sensible necessities of economic clients whereas dramatically decreasing CO2 tailpipe emissions,” mentioned Toyota Australia president and CEO, Matthew Callachor.
“Toyota Australia is firmly dedicated to enjoying a number one function within the improvement of Australia’s hydrogen economic system. Working the pilot program for this new hydrogen powertrain expertise builds upon our substantial improvement and funding within the hydrogen area.
“Australia is the right place to run such a program with our federal and state governments having already dedicated $6.3 billion in funding for hydrogen tasks underneath the Nationwide Hydrogen Technique.
“We even have an intensive number of environments and weather conditions that can allow us to guage the hydrogen powertrain expertise to its fullest and guarantee it delivers on Toyota’s excessive requirements.”
Whereas the HiAce Commuter H2 continues to be within the infancy of its prototype section, Toyota is evolving the expertise on a continuous foundation, working to optimise hydrogen storage, bettering combustion, and exploring the potential for including hydrogen expertise – probably much like that discovered within the Toyota Tundra.
It’s understood the Australian H2-ICE program goals to fast-track the event of so-called sizzling hydrogen powertrains to be used throughout a spread of bigger autos (LandCruiser, HiLux, and so on.) with Toyota saying we are going to see a wide range of potential clients utilizing the HiAce H2 for both commuter or delivery-type operations within the not-too-distant future.