Toyota to Build Fuel Cell Buses

Toyota plans to introduce its first fuel cell bus into Tokyo's transportation network. This vehicle can not only transport passengers but also generate electricity in emergency situations. The urban fuel cell bus accommodates about 70 passengers and utilizes two solid polymer fuel cell units with a total power output of 300 horsepower. It is scheduled to be delivered to the Tokyo municipality this spring, and if successful, it could mark a significant milestone in urban transportation. By 2020, around 100 of these buses are expected to be integrated into Tokyo's transport system. This bus has been developed by Hino, a subsidiary of Toyota. Hino Motors was established in 1973 as the heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing division of Toyota and is now the largest producer of medium, heavy, and extra-heavy vehicles in Japan. Hino Motors, Lexus, and Daihatsu are recognized as Toyota's main brands. The bus features 10 high-pressure tanks for storing 600 liters of hydrogen at 700 bar pressure. These tanks supply hydrogen to the fuel cells, which charge nickel-metal hybrid batteries. These batteries provide the necessary energy for two electric motors that together produce 300 horsepower and a torque of 670 Newton meters. In addition to urban transport uses, this bus can generate 235 kilowatt-hours of electricity for emergency equipment during natural disasters. In this bus, hydrogen moves towards the fuel cell unit, where it mixes with oxygen from the air, resulting in the production of water and electricity. The electricity is used by the electric motor to drive the bus, and water is expelled from the bus's exhaust. When the gas pedal is pressed while the bus is stationary, if a cup is placed in front of the exhaust, it will eventually fill with water. Hydrogen is one of the most abundant elements in nature. Burning hydrogen produces only water, which is excellent in theory, but there are still numerous practical challenges. The most significant issues relate to hydrogen production and storage. The most common methods for producing hydrogen involve extracting it from water or fossil fuels like natural gas. However, the challenge lies in hydrogen storage. Hydrogen boils at minus 252 degrees Celsius at sea level pressure, making liquefying hydrogen very complex and costly; compression also involves highly sophisticated technology. One practical method is storing hydrogen via hydrides, which holds great promise for future vehicle applications. But what distinguishes fuel cell vehicles from electric vehicles, leading to a greater inclination towards fuel cells in future vehicles? Both methods ultimately power the vehicle through an electric motor. The key point is the faster refueling or charging time for fuel cell vehicles. With current technology, these vehicles can be refueled in about 5 minutes, while charging an electric vehicle takes significantly longer. Another very important point is that fuel cell vehicles are cleaner. The electricity supplied for electric vehicles may come from fossil fuel sources, ultimately harming the environment by producing greenhouse gases like current vehicles, while the electricity for fuel cell vehicles is generated from the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.