Toyota Australia is showcasing an innovative fuel cell food truck concept as part of its national Hydrogen Showcase, demonstrating a variety of potential applications for its hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The Hydrogen Showcase kicked off in Melbourne on 26 April and will make stops in Brisbane between 4 and 5 May, Sydney on 15 and 16 May, Canberra on 23 May, Adelaide between 1 and 2 June and Perth on 13 to 14 June.
Among the fuel cell vehicles on display is the HiAce-based FCV Express Diner concept, a Caetano 33-seat commercial bus, a Toyota forklift, EODev stationary power generator, and the Toyota Mirai sedan.
In addition to viewing a range of Toyota fuel cell vehicles and technologies, guests will also have the opportunity for a short drive in the Toyota Mirai.
Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Vin Naidoo, said the Hydrogen Showcase is a great opportunity to show the benefits and potential of hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
“At Toyota we believe in a diverse approach towards a carbon-neutral future, and we’re committed to hydrogen fuel-cell technology playing a part in that approach,” he said.
“The Hydrogen Showcase offers a look at some of the exciting vehicles and technologies powered by Toyota fuel cells stacks using powertrains whose only tailpipe emission is water, as well as educating and informing on how this technology can benefit society.”
Designed for use in a variety of situations, the FCV Express Diner concept uses the same powertrain as the second-generation Mirai sedan, with two tanks capable of storing five kilograms of hydrogen for a driving range of 400km.
The rear of the HiAce FCV Diner has been fitted out as a mobile kitchen, with five induction cooktops, an oven, rice cooker, fridge, freezer and three sinks with hot and cold water – all powered by the onboard fuel cell.
The FCV Express Diner concept is also able to use its fuel cell to provide electricity for other external power requirements, effectively as a mobile generator.
Toyota will also display a fuel cell forklift which is expected to demonstrate great potential for logistics and warehouse operators.
This production vehicle is available for sale in Japan, and is currently being trialled in Toyota Australia’s parts warehouses in Melbourne and Sydney.
The Toyota Hydrogen Showcase will also demonstrate other potential applications for hydrogen technology, with a stationary fuel cell power generator.
The generator is manufactured by EODev in France using Toyota fuel cells and sold in Australia through Blue Diamond.
Last year, one was used to power the Marvel Stadium sign and a coach’s box during an AFL match. More recently, an EODev generator was used at the Melbourne Grand Prix to power six marquees in the tech hub over four days.
