Fuel Cell Bus Trials on the BRT Hikoboshi Line JCN Newswire

Fuel Cell Bus Trials on the BRT Hikoboshi Line

TOKYO, Feb 8, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Fukuoka Prefecture, Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT), and Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) have entered an agreement to conduct trials of a small fuel cell electric bus (FC bus) that runs on hydrogen, an environmentally-friendly next-generation energy source, on the BRT Hikoboshi Line (officially "Hitahikosan Line BRT"), a bus rapid transit system planned for launch around the summer of 2023.This initiative will be the first implementation of the partnership agreement between Fukuoka Prefecture and CJPT, entered into on December 26 last year, to expand commercial FC mobility and create a sustainable hydrogen society with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality. Fukuoka Prefecture and CJPT will work with JR Kyushu to hold the trials with a view to bringing FC mobility to local transportation.With the cooperation of communities along the line, JR Kyushu is working toward the launch of the BRT Hikoboshi Line, which is under development based on the concept of being "kind to people, communities, and the future." Expectations are that the trials of a next-generation small FC bus will further advance efforts toward regional development as an environmentally friendly transportation option.Going forward, Fukuoka Prefecture, CJPT, and JR Kyushu will collaborate in preparing to launch the trial runs as follows.1. Overview of the initiativeTrial runs for the practical application of next-generation small FC buses that run on hydrogen energySignificance and aims of the trials- The trials aim to deepen awareness of hydrogen as a future energy source by using it to operate a local transportation system familiar to residents while achieving region-wide sustainable growth.- By verifying the feasibility of adopting FC mobility, the trials will increase the options for local transportation and help create a green transportation system.- While bringing the use of hydrogen to local transportation, the trials will lead to the development of areas along the Hitahikosan Line BRT.Roles of each partyFukuoka Prefecture: Overall coordination and support for improving the environment of the trial runs CJPT: Development planning for the next-generation hydrogen bus and coordination of the trial vehicle JR Kyushu: Operation of the trial vehicle on the BRT Hikoboshi Line2. Trial vehicleVehicle stylingDrawing on the image of hydrogen as an environmentally friendly energy, the trial vehicle is styled to reflect the blue skies prevalent along the route of the BRT Hikoboshi Line. The use of a pattern that depicts the flowing robes of Orihime―a name for star Vega and lover of Hikoboshi (the star Altair) from Japanese legend―creates a unified and original styling for all vehicles to operate on the BRT Hikoboshi Line.Vehicle overviewSmall FC bus 1 vehicle FC bus based on the Toyota Coaster, 20-seater(1) with actual seating for 14 (planned)Length x Width x Height 6,990 mm x 2,100 mm x 2,630 mm Second-generation FC system from Mirai FCEV, with outstanding environmental performance of zero CO2 emissions during operation(2)Trial periodApproximately fall 2023 to spring 2025 (planned)Additional informationDetailed information, including the start date and timetables of the trial to be conducted prior to the trial runs and the actual trial runs, will be announced at a later date.(1) Includes driver's seat(2) FC mobility options are environmentally friendly vehicles that use a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, which does not generate CO2 emissions during use.For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/38698094.html. Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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Suzuki, Daihatsu, Toyota, and CJPT to Introduce Mini-Commercial Van Electric Vehicles in FY2023 JCN Newswire

Suzuki, Daihatsu, Toyota, and CJPT to Introduce Mini-Commercial Van Electric Vehicles in FY2023

Toyota City, Japan, Jul 19, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Suzuki Motor Corporation (Suzuki), Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu), Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) announced that they have agreed to work towards the market introduction of mini-commercial van electric vehicles (BEVs) in FY2023 to achieve carbon neutrality.Mini-commercial vehicles cover areas accessible only to them because of their small size and are important in supporting last-mile logistics. They have become widespread accounting for about 60% of the total commercial vehicle fleet, making them a type of vehicle capable of contributing significantly to the achievement of carbon neutrality if electrification advances.However, a major issue in promoting the electrification of mini-commercial vehicles is the increasing burden on society as a whole, including the higher vehicle costs associated with electrification, the costs related to charging infrastructure, and the charging time (downtime: a period when vehicles and cargo are stopped).It is under these circumstances, to realize an affordable mini-commercial van BEV that meets the usage needs of commercial customers, CJPT will participate in the planning, and Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Toyota will jointly develop a BEV system suitable for mini-commercial vehicles by combining Suzuki and Daihatsu's know-how in manufacturing mini vehicles with Toyota's electrification technology.The mini-commercial van BEV developed by these four companies will be used by partners in social implementation projects in Fukushima Prefecture and Tokyo.Suzuki, Daihatsu, Toyota, and CJPT will continue to promote efforts to practically achieve carbon neutrality through the provision of sustainable means of transportation. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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