Toyota produces new hydrogen-powered versions of four existing vehicle models

The new fuel-cell vehicles were used at prestigious running race in Japan

Japanese automaker Toyota has produced hydrogen-powered versions of four of its existing fossil-fuel vehicle models for the first time.

Engines were replaced with fuel-cell powertrains in new versions of its top-of-the-range Century luxury SUV, Coaster bus, and GranAce minivan for use at a prestigious annual running race, the Hakone Ekiden, which took place in Japan last weekend.

In addition, a fuel-cell version of the Isuzu Elf flatbed truck, which Toyota has been co-developing with the Japanese commercial vehicle maker, was also produced for the first time, and used during the 217.1km road race to film the leading runners.

Toyota provided all the support vehicles for the historic race — a national institution in Japan in which long-distance runners from 20-plus universities compete in a marathon relay over two days — including 13 fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

These 13 hydrogen-powered vehicles were made up of one Century, one GranAce, four Coasters, one Isuzu Elf — and six Crown sedans, which are already on sale as a fuel-cell car in Japan.

A further five battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were also provided, along with 22 hybrids using “low-carbon gasoline” containing 10% plant-based ethanol.

“Toyota is advancing its multi-pathway approach, offering electrified vehicle options tailored to diverse energy circumstances in each country and region and to varied customer needs. Accordingly, the company felt that its diverse lineup of vehicles, including BEVs and FCEVs, could contribute to the Hakone Ekiden,” the company stated.

Toyota has provided the vehicles for the annual race since 2003 and has been an event sponsor since 2011.

More than 50 million people tune in to watch the Hakone Ekiden every year, which has been run from Tokyo to the mountain town of Hakone since 1920.

Cover photo:  The top-of-the-range Toyota Century, which uses a unique phoenix logo, which was converted to run on hydrogen for the Hakone Ekiden race.