| New technology | Toyota Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle advanced |
The Toyota FCHV-adv (Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle advanced) has doubled the range of Toyota's previous fuel cell cars. Based on an SUV, the FCHV-adv can travel up to 515 miles on a single journey where it predecessor could only manage 205 miles.
Toyota has achieved this by making the fuel cell 25% more efficient. This is helped by regenerative braking and other energy saving technologies. There are also changes to the catalyst and durability of the fuel cell to help the FCHV-adv go further but use less energy per mile.
The FCHV-adv also overcomes cold climate starting problems associated with fuel cell vehicles. It can operate in environments as cold as -30-degrees Celcius, while a small 89bhp petrol engine provides power when the fuel cell is low on fuel or not suited to the conditions.
Toyota is carrying out road trials of the FCHV-adv and company insiders say a full production car with fuel cell technology could be on sale within the next five years.
Alisdair Suttie - 9 Jun 2008
