As part of Toyota Australia’s hydrogen vehicle loan program, two Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) have been delivered to Moreland City Council, their new home for the next two months.

 

As part of ongoing research into the efficiency, usage and benefits of hydrogen technology the Mirai FCEVs will be driven by the council throughout all conditions.

 

Toyota Australia's Manager of Advanced Technology Vehicles, Matt MacLeod, said: "At the moment we are focusing on running trials at locations that are nearest to our hydrogen refuelling station but there is a lot of interest in the Mirai all over Australia.”

 

“Development of infrastructure is obviously a challenge that must be overcome to enable car makers to introduce this technology, especially ahead of impending CO2 regulations.”

 

As with other loans, a mobile hydrogen refueller at Toyota Australia's former manufacturing site in Altona will be used to refuel the vehicles.

 

This latest loan joins the current trials with ENGIE and Wyndham Council after the successful trials with the Hobson's Bay City Council, AusNet Services, Mondo, and HMA.

 

"All of our trials have gone very well and we're happy to report we have extended many of our trials beyond their initial periods," Mr MacLeod added.

 

Toyota Australia continues to put a focus on hydrogen technology, the company, backed by investment from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), has announced plans to convert the former Altona manufacturing site into a $7.4 million Hydrogen Centre.