July 2. 2002

Toyota to market fuel-cell hybrid SUV this Fall

Torrance, CA -- Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., announced Monday that it, and parent company Toyota Motor Corporation, will start limited marketing of a fuel cell hybrid (FCHV) sport utility vehicle (SUV) in Japan and the U.S. around the end of this year, much earlier than originally planned. The earlier launch reflects the successful results of a year of testing in the two countries of the FCHV-4 prototype, and Toyota's response to society's expectations for cleaner mobility solutions.

The SUV, based on the Kluger-V in Japan and the Highlander in the United States, will be a newly developed FCHV featuring conventional vehicle-like performance based on improvements to the FCHV-4's reliability, cruising distance, functionality and other aspects.

However, issues concerning cost, cold temperature performance and other issues will restrict availability of the FCHV. The fuel cell-powered SUVs, available by lease, will be offered only to select private sector technology related companies, institutional organizations and research facilities. Toyota expects to lease approximately 20 units during the first year to organizations that have access to hydrogen-supply infrastructure and after-sales service.

Toyota began testing the FCHV-4 on public roads in Japan in June 2001 and the United States a month later. So far, FCHV-4s have covered a cumulative 110,000 kilometers (approx. 68,000 miles) on and off the test track, providing valuable insight toward the commercialization of FCHVs.

Marketing an FCHV should heighten consumer acceptance of hydrogen as a fuel and help establish the standards and infrastructure necessary for full-scale commercialization of fuel cell-powered vehicles.

Toyota launched the Prius, the world's first mass-produced gas-electric hybrid, in 1997 in Japan, and in 2001 in the U.S market. Prius is the world's best-selling hybrid vehicle, with total vehicle sales nearing 100,000 units.

Preliminary Specifications

• Vehicle Base Model - Kluger V (Highlander in U.S.)
• Length/Width/Height (mm) - 4,735 / 1,815 / 1,685
• Weight (kg) - 1,850
• Maximum speed (km/h) - 150+
• Maximum number of passengers - 5
• Fuel Cell Type - Polymer electrolyte fuel cell
• Maximum output (kW) - 90
• Motor Type - Permanent magnet
• Maximum output (kW (PS)) - 80 (108)
• Maximum torque (N/m (kg/m)) - 260 (26.5)
• Fuel Type - Pure hydrogen
• Storage method - High pressure tank
• Maximum storage pressure (MPa) - 35
• Secondary Battery Type - Nickel-metal hydride

More News....