Toyota has unveiled its latest concept vehicles – one a six-seat sedan and the other a 79-seat bus.
Both fuel-cell vehicles are said to use the first element on the periodic table - hydrogen - as the primary energy source.
The sedan, known as Fine-Comfort Ride, claims the high-performance motor can deliver 310kW of power to achieve a top speed of 220km/h and travel almost 1000km on a single fill.
To gain maximum interior space and an aerodynamic design the diamond-shaped cabin narrows towards the rear. The in-wheel motor, wheels at the very corners and using a body underside cover should provide ride stability and a quiet cabin.
A fuel-cell stack will be found at the front of the vehicle with a hydrogen tank located under the floor. This will deliver large amounts of electricity aiming to provide a smoother, quieter ride.
The latest artificial intelligence and automated driving aids are promised to be found in the Fine-Comfort Ride.
The interior focuses on comfort with features such as touchscreen display and flexible seats allowing the driver to remove their hands from the wheel and turn their seat to face their passengers.
Sora, the concept bus, which is an acronym for Sky, Ocean River Air representing the water cycle, is set to debut on the streets of Japan as early as next year with a 100-strong fleet to be utilized during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Employed to power Sora are two 114kW fuel stacks and two 113kW electric motors along with 10 high-pressure hydrogen tanks capable of holding 600litres of hydrogen.
Also equipped is a high-capacity external power supply system providing a further 9kW and 235kWh. With this feature, the bus is not only a method of transport but also an emergency power source. It is claimed it would be able to power, for example, an evacuation sight such as a community centre for roughly five days with lights on for six hours per day.
Continuing the ‘smart bus’ theme, an acceleration control function enables gentle acceleration from stops. This means no awkward jerking hurling passengers flying. Seats will also be automatically folded when not occupied which would allow more space for prams and wheelchairs.
Eight high-definition cameras around and in the bus are able to detect pedestrians and cyclists, therefore, providing a peripheral monitoring function which will warn the driver improving safety for all road users and passengers.
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