• Zero emission hydrogen fuel cell powered public transport arrives on Irish roads for ‘real world’ trial
• The bus contains the Toyota Fuel Cell stack that is used in the Toyota Mirai passenger car
• The use of hydrogen as a fuel for cars and heavy-duty vehicles represents the pinnacle of zero-emissions, environmentally sustainable transport, with water as its only emission
• The first trial will start on the 9th November and runs for a six week period
Toyota, together with Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI), is proud to announce the arrival of the Toyota hydrogen fuel cell powered bus, to Ireland for the first time. Hydrogen Mobility Ireland is comprised of leading industry players Toyota, CaetanoBus, DCU, Business Eireann, BOC, Dublin Bus, DAA CIE, who have come together along with the Department of Transport to introduce the CaetanoBus trial to Ireland.
The trial, which will be carried out by Bus Eireann, Dublin Bus, DCU and Dublin Airport, aims to test the revolutionary, sustainable technology in a working environment. From Monday 9th November, the Hydrogen-powered bus will be on the roads of Dublin and the surrounding area for a period of six weeks.
Commitment to a ‘Better World’
The arrival of the CaetanoBus trial highlights Toyota’s commitment to its brand promise, ‘Built for a Better World’ which aims to make life better for Irish families. A core part of that promise is looking to reduce emissions in motoring, and going beyond zero emissions, how it can have a positive impact. The Toyota Fuel Cell System (TCFS) that is present in the CaetanoBus, emits no CO2 or pollutants when driven. The fuel cell consumes hydrogen fuel and air to produce electrical power for the vehicle, with water vapour as the only by product.
In line with its vision of a decarbonised society, Toyota is promoting the application of its hydrogen fuel cell technology beyond passenger cars, including heavy-duty trucks, small delivery trucks, forklifts and buses.
New Generation Mirai
Toyota led the world with the introduction of the hydrogen powered Mirai saloon in 2014. The current Mirai has been a catalyst for increasing global awareness of how a future clean and sustainable hydrogen society might be achieved.
Now it is getting ready to take its advanced zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology to new heights, with the launch of the second generation Mirai, due next year. The new Mirai will have a significantly increased volume of 30,000 units to be produced next year, and will have a driving range increase by 30% compared to Gen 1 and is expected to refuel in under 5 minutes. The press launch will be taking place later this month.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
Other global fuel-cell projects include the Energy Observer boat, which is the first boat powered by Toyota hydrogen technology. It has zero emissions and zero noise and has already completed two trans-Atlantic crossings. Toyota also has multiple projects with partners to develop fuel cell railway vehicles and trucks.
Even more ambitiously, and to explore how Hydrogen can be integrated into all areas of society, the Woven City in Japan will be fully connected living eco-system powered by hydrogen fuel cell, and will be a ‘living laboratory’ with full time residents and researchers who will test and develop this technology. Looking further again, Toyota and the Japanese space agency, JAXA, are working on a hydrogen powered rover to help explore the surface of the moon.
Caetano Bus Trial
The hydrogen powered bus will be on roads across Dublin city as it undergoes a period of initial testing. The first Irish trial of the zero-emission fuel cell bus will look to demonstrate the many practical uses and environmental benefits of hydrogen towards a carbon-free society.
The collaboration between Toyota and other leading industry players to bring the hydrogen fuel cell bus to Ireland shows how a coordinated approach can bring Ireland to the forefront of sustainable transport and help us achieve our climate goals. HMI will look to identify and collate real-world data and assess the performance of fuel cell vehicles with a view to a permanent introduction from 2023.
Steve Tormey, Chief Executive of Toyota Ireland commented on the announcement: “Working with the team in Hydrogen Mobility Ireland, we are delighted to announce the arrival of the first hydrogen powered bus to Ireland. Toyota’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology is seen as a powerful tool in the battle against climate change, and allows us to move toward a carbon-free environment.
As we strive to decarbonise transport in Ireland, we need to continue to increase our efforts in order to achieve this. Toyota has been at the forefront of innovation in alternative fuel technologies with our extensive hybrid range, and now the ultimate goal is to create a better world for future generations. Fuel Cell technology, along with self-charging hybrids and battery electric vehicles sets us on the path to do so. We at Toyota Ireland believe that the arrival of the CaetanoBus trial is a pivotal step on this journey.