Toyota has made history with the first on-road demonstration of a hydrogen mobility ecosystem in South Africa, using the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).
The demonstration, which took place at the Smart Mobility Africa Summit in Johannesburg, was made possible with hydrogen produced by Sasol and dispensing technology provided by Air Products.
Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota SA Motors, said that the automaker has been actively involved in the research and development of hydrogen vehicles for more than 30 years.
The two Toyota Mirai FCEVs that were used in the demonstration have been homologated for driving on local roads, but Kirby said that there is no short-term intention to offer the flagship sedan in the South African market.
The demonstration of the hydrogen mobility ecosystem is a significant step towards a more sustainable transportation future in South Africa. Hydrogen has the potential to reduce air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels, and it is particularly well-suited for South Africa’s unique energy grid.
The goal of the hydrogen mobility ecosystem demonstration was to showcase the potential of hydrogen FCEVs as a sustainable transportation solution for South Africa.
Hydrogen FCEVs use hydrogen to generate electricity, which powers the vehicle’s electric motor. Hydrogen is stored in the vehicle in a pressurized tank, and it can be refueled in a similar way to gasoline and diesel vehicles.
The successful demonstration of the hydrogen mobility ecosystem in South Africa has the potential to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen FCEVs in the country.
The demonstration of the hydrogen mobility ecosystem in South Africa is a significant step towards a more sustainable transportation future. Hydrogen FCEVs have the potential to reduce air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels, and they are particularly well-suited for South Africa’s unique energy grid.
With the support of the government and private industry, South Africa is well-positioned to become a leader in the adoption of hydrogen FCEVs.
