Toyota doubles range of fuel cell cars

(channel4) -- Toyota is to start testing a new-generation Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV) prototype in Japan, having gained approval from the Japanese government.

The new FCHV is capable of 515 miles between refuelling stops, thanks to improved hydrogen storage, compared to the 205 miles of the previous version. Fuel economy has been improved by 25%, and it is now able to operate at temperatures as low as minus-30 Celsius.

The FCHV, based on the Japanese-market Kluger/Highlander 4x4, has an on-board fuel cell that converts hydrogen to electrical energy, with only water vapour as a by-product. This system works in tandem with a petrol engine for extra power and performance, creating a hybrid system. Toyota has leased small numbers of FCHVs for field testing, and has also experimented with a RAV-4-based prototype plus a van that was able to travel 480 miles between refuelling stops.

Toyota now plans to test the FCHV abroad, and a small number will again be leased.