Toyota has announced that its hydrogen fuel-cell powered FCHV has successfully completed a 350 mile trip — from Osaka to Tokyo — without stopping for fuel. The trip — which started at the Osaka Prefectural Government Office and concluded at the Mega Web automobile-themed amusement facility in Tokyo — was also complete with the air conditioning running the entire time.
According to Toyota, the FCHV is 25% more fuel-efficient than the previous model, thanks to improvements in many of the vehicle’s systems. The newest FCHV can also can carry almost twice as much hydrogen as older versions.
Toyota ’s 350 mile journey without a fill-up bests GM’s record of 300 miles on a single tank, set in a hydrogen fuel-cell powered Sequel earlier this year.
With GM planning to beat Toyota to the market with lithium-ion powered plug-in hybrids, it appears as though Toyota won’t give up its green crown without a fight. While the latest FCHV shows a glimpse of a possible future might look like, no word has been given on when we can expect to see hydrogen powered vehicles on the market.
