Toyota fuel-cell cars arrived Down Under

Toyota Australia has joined the FCEV (fuel-cell electric vehicle) revolution – but for the purposes of engineering familiarisation and “promotional and key stakeholder engagement activities” only.

Three of the Japanese giant’s Mirai production fuel-cell vehicles are now on the local offshoots fleet and will later this year also be joined by a portable refuelling station. None of the above will be offered for sale.

The hydrogen-fuelled Toyotas will be used to “assist Toyota engineers to learn more about the future technology” and will also be used for promotional activities.

Mirai is currently sold in the US, Japan and other selected markets across the globe. Toyota quotes a lack of local hydrogen refuelling infrastructure as the reason the car has not been offered Down Under.

Fuel-cell vehicles use a chemical reaction between hydrogen and a mixed metal fuel ‘stack’ to produce electricity. The only emission is water vapour. The electricity produced is used and/or stored on board via a hybrid-style battery and electric motive system.

Mirai provides comparable performance and range to a normal petrol hatchback.

Toyota Australia imported a single Mirai for the Sixth World Hydrogen Technologies Convention in Sydney last October.

"After having a taste of the technology last October, we are incredibly excited to have not one, but three of the fuel cell vehicles back in Australia," Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner said.

"We are looking forward to educating a whole new audience on this future technology and generating more awareness of fuel cell vehicles."

Toyota Australia says it’s scheduled to display the Mirais at “a number of conferences and events throughout the country over the coming months”.

Hyundai Australia last year commissioned a solar-powered hydrogen production and refuelling facility at its headquarters in Sydney’s inner northwest. That station is used to fuel the company’s series production ix35 FCEV which has been portrayed as a ‘proof of concept’ for local market fuel-cell vehicle introduction.