Toyota today took another important step towards a broader hydrogen society by announcing that it will provide its hydrogen fuel cell technology to Caetanobus SA in Portugal.
In line with its vision of a decarbonised society–as stated in its 2050 environmental challenge, Toyota is promoting the application of its hydrogen fuel cell technology beyond passenger cars, including heavy duty trucks(1), small delivery trucks(2), forklifts(3) and buses(4).
In Europe, Toyota will supply its fuel cell systems(5), including fuel cell stacks, hydrogen tanks and other key components to Caetanobus SA–the renowned Portuguese bus engineering and production company–to build hydrogen fuel cell city buses.
The first zero emission fuel cell city buses will roll off the lines of Caetanobus SA, in a little over a year, and are to be operated as demonstration buses by Caetanobus SA.
“Supplying our fuel cell systems to Caetanobus demonstrates the many practical uses and environmental benefits of hydrogen towards a carbon-free society. We’re really excited by the prospect of seeing the first buses of our longstanding automotive partner in European cities,” said Dr Johan van Zyl, president and CEO, Toyota Motor Europe. “Hydrogen buses have significant advantages compared to other zero emission buses, such as superior driving range and short refuelling time. These benefits allow hydrogen buses to be operated on longer routes and a higher utilisation.”
Jose Ramos, president of Salvador Caetano Industria holding, commented: “We are very proud to be the first company in Europe to benefit from Toyota’s leading fuel cell technology and look forward to confirming our world-class bus development and manufacturing capabilities. We are convinced that hydrogen is a great solution for zero emission buses.”
The announcement was made in Lisbon, in presence of some of the highest Portuguese government representatives for mobility and the environment, during the visit of the Energy Observer catamaran, the first hydrogen sea vessel powered purely by renewable solar and hydrogen energy.
*FCEV Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
(1) Toyota Doubles-Down on Zero Emissions Heavy-Duty Trucks
https://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/corporate/23722307.html
(2) Seven-Eleven Japan and Toyota to Launch Joint Next-generation Convenience Store Project in Autumn 2019 toward Greater CO2 Emissions Reduction
https://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/corporate/22833613.html
(3) Toyota Accelerates Use of Hydrogen at its Plants
https://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/corporate/21565079.html
(4) Toyota Launches Production Model “Sora” FC Bus
https://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/corporate/21863761.html
(5) Toyota Ushers in the Future with Launch of ‘Mirai’ Fuel Cell Sedan
https://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/detail/4198334
About Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is the global mobility company that introduced the Prius hybrid-electric car in 1997 and the first mass-produced fuel cell sedan, Mirai, in 2014. Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, Toyota has been making cars since 1937. Today, Toyota proudly employs 370,000 employees in communities around the world. Together, they build around 10 million vehicles per year in 29 countries, from mainstream cars and premium vehicles to mini-vehicles and commercial trucks, and sell them in more than 170 countries under the brands Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.
SOURCE: Toyota
