How Do Fuel Cell Vehicles Work? | Electrified Powertrains Part 6 | Toyota

Summary

Toyota has been a pioneer in electrification since the introduction of the Prius in 1997, expanding its lineup to include hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and fuel cell electric vehicles. The fuel cell EV system stands out by generating electricity from hydrogen, producing only water as a byproduct, while delivering smooth, instantaneous acceleration, regenerative braking, and rapid refueling in about five minutes. Combining zero emissions with performance and versatility, this technology is scalable across vehicle types, from passenger cars like the Toyota Mirai to heavy-duty trucks. Toyota’s electrified powertrains exemplify innovative mobility solutions with lower carbon footprints, offering drivers a compelling range of advanced options.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Toyota has been a pioneer in electrification since introducing the Prius in Japan in 1997.
• 🔋 Toyota offers a variety of electrified powertrains, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and fuel cell electric systems.
• 💧 Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) generate electricity using hydrogen, producing only water as a byproduct.
• ⚡ The fuel cell stack enables a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity.
• 🔌 Toyota electrified vehicles use a 12-volt system to power ECUs, lighting, windows, and other vehicle features.
• 🛡️ System main relays safely manage high-voltage components and isolate them during faults or collisions.
• 🚀 Fuel cell EVs provide instant torque and smooth acceleration, similar to battery electric vehicles.
• ♻️ Regenerative braking recovers energy during braking or coasting and stores it in the high-voltage battery.
• ⛽ FCEVs can refuel in approximately 5 minutes, combining the convenience of gasoline with the benefits of electric drive.
• 🛻 Toyota has scaled fuel cell technology for larger applications, including heavy-duty class 8 semi-trucks.
• 🌱 Fuel cell EVs contribute to advanced mobility with lower carbon footprints while maintaining high performance and efficiency.
• 📈 Toyota’s full electrified lineup offers multiple options for customers seeking environmentally friendly vehicle technology.

Q & A

When did Toyota first introduce the Prius in Japan?

Toyota introduced the Prius in Japan in 1997.

What types of electrified powertrains does Toyota offer?

Toyota offers hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, electric, battery electric, and fuel cell electric powertrains.

How does a fuel cell electric powertrain generate electricity?

A fuel cell electric powertrain generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen stored in the vehicle's tanks and oxygen from the air in a fuel cell stack, producing electricity and water as the only byproduct.

What role do ECUs play in Toyota's electrified vehicles?

ECUs control vehicle functions on the 12-volt system, operate the system main relays, ensure the high-voltage system powers on safely, and isolate the high-voltage battery and cables in case of a fault or collision.

How does the fuel cell EV system compare to a battery electric vehicle in operation?

The fuel cell EV system operates similarly to a battery electric vehicle, delivering smooth and instant acceleration through the motor generator, which produces peak torque almost immediately.

What is regenerative braking and how is it used in Toyota's fuel cell EVs?

Regenerative braking recovers otherwise wasted energy during braking or coasting, converts it into electricity, and stores it in the high-voltage battery, acting as a buffer between the fuel cell stack and the electric motor.

How long does it take to refuel a fuel cell EV, and how does this compare to gasoline vehicles?

Fuel cell EVs can be refueled in approximately five minutes, which is nearly as fast as refueling a gasoline-powered vehicle.

Can the fuel cell EV system be used in other vehicle types?

Yes, the fuel cell EV system is adaptable and has been scaled up to power Class 8 heavy-duty semi-trucks using the same technology found in the Toyota Mirai.

What are the environmental benefits of Toyota's fuel cell EV system?

The fuel cell EV system produces zero emissions, as it generates electricity from hydrogen with water as the only byproduct, reducing the vehicle's carbon footprint.

Why do all Toyota electrified vehicles use a 12-volt battery?

The 12-volt battery powers essential systems like lighting, windows, and door locks, and allows the ECUs to safely control the high-voltage system and relays.

What makes Toyota's fuel cell EV system unique compared to other electrified powertrains?

It combines the instant torque and acceleration of a battery electric vehicle with fast refueling times, long cruising range, and adaptability to various vehicle applications, including heavy-duty trucks.