Toyota Australia has partnered with Hobson’s Bay City Council in Melbourne’s inner west to trial environmentally friendly, zero CO2 emitting hydrogen-electric vehicles.
As part of the agreement, Toyota will provide three Mirai Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) to the Council for a 12-week trial period during which the Mirais will be driven by council staff under a range of conditions and at different times of the day, just like any other vehicle.
Toyota Australia’s Manager of Advanced Technology Vehicles and Site Development, Matt MacLeod, said the company was excited to partner with Hobson’s Bay City Council to see the Mirai used in a number of real-world applications.
“We know that it’s only a matter of time before CO2 regulations arrive in Australia, and that’s why there is such a huge focus on zero emission vehicles like the Mirai,” Mr MacLeod said.
“It’s a great opportunity to highlight the fact that these cars drive just like any other vehicle, except they don’t make any engine noise and emit nothing but water vapour.”
“Like most hydrogen powered vehicles, the Mirai isn’t currently available for sale in Australia, mainly because there isn’t existing hydrogen refuelling infrastructure to support it.”
The vehicles will be refuelled at a mobile hydrogen refueller based at Toyota’s former manufacturing site in nearby Altona – a 13-minute drive to Hobson’s Bay City Council.
Hobson’s Bay City Council Mayor Angela Altair said the Council was proud to take a leadership role in supporting low emissions vehicles and the development of new and innovative technologies that address climate change.
“One of the key priorities in the Hobson’s Bay 2030 Community Vision is sustainable practices and growth through innovation, access to local jobs, technology and education,” said Ms Altair.
“Council is committed to achieving its target of zero net emissions by 2020 in our operations. The significant emissions reductions we are generating by using the Mirais will helps us deliver on these strategic commitments, including our Corporate and Community Greenhouse Strategies and Integrated Transport Plan.”
“This is such an exciting opportunity to partner with our friends at Toyota and experience their emerging technologies.”
Mr MacLeod said the trial with Hobson’s Bay City Council will be the first of several trials run by Toyota Australia over the next three years, with Australia’s number one car company planning to loan the Mirai FCEVs to participating companies or organisations for up to 12-weeks at a time.
“This is just the beginning. It’s an exciting first step to not only build greater awareness about this new technology and the Mirai FCEV, but it’s also step towards a cleaner, greener future,” he concluded.
