Hydrogen fuel cell Toyota car joins JCB fleet

JCB, which is developing its own hydrogen engine technology, has taken delivery of the latest Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car.

The vehicle is among the first batch of Toyota’s second-generation hydrogen-fuelled cars to arrive in the UK since its launch earlier this year.

Mirai’s fuel cell system, coupled with a 1kg increase in hydrogen capacity, gives the car a range of about 400 miles – an increase of 100 miles over the first generation model.

Fuelled by hydrogen, Mirai can be refilled in a few minutes, emits only pure water and, through the use of a new electrostatic filter, removes almost 100 per cent of particulate matter from the air as it drives.

It is the second hydrogen fuelled Toyota Mirai bought by JCB following the purchase of a first-generation model in 2015.

The purchase comes as JCB invests £100 million in the development of hydrogen engines to power its equipment.

JCB has already unveiled two prototype hydrogen powered machines: a backhoe loader and a Loadall telescopic handler, which were displayed COP26 in Glasgow.

Lord Bamford, JCB chairman said, “We applaud Toyota for its consistency in exploring the potential of hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels in cars.

“Having a hydrogen fuel cell car in our fleet makes perfect sense as we pursue hydrogen as a fuel of the future.”

Agustin Martin, managing director of Toyota (GB), added,“JCB’s research and development into hydrogen engines marks a significant and forward-thinking shift in the construction and agriculture worlds.

“It’s exciting to see another industry taking the steps towards decarbonising society through the application of hydrogen technology.”