15 Nov 2007
Toyota FCHV completes Alcan trek
Toyota's Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV) has demonstrated its ruggedness by completing a 2,300 mile trek from Fairbanks, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia.
The FCHV travelled along the Alaska-Canadian (Alcan) highway for seven consecutive days without a glitch, and in the process was able to demonstrate its reliability and durability in cold weather conditions.
The feat was accomplished without any meaningful preparation, as engineers decided to forego practice runs and pre-trip evaluations in an attempt to give the trip some added spice.
In fact, the only modifications made to the car were the addition of tubular guards for the grille, rockers and rear-end, a roof rack and some artwork decorations.
According to Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Torrance-based product planners were inspired to test the FCHV when it became evident that their counterparts in Japan were going to drive a FCHV from Osaka to Tokyo - a distance of 348 miles - on a single tank of hydrogen.
"When [they] heard about Toyota Motor Corporation's plan they thought it was a great idea that probably didn't go far enough in showing how far this new system had advanced," Mr Carter said.
© Adfero Ltd
The FCHV travelled along the Alaska-Canadian (Alcan) highway for seven consecutive days without a glitch, and in the process was able to demonstrate its reliability and durability in cold weather conditions.
The feat was accomplished without any meaningful preparation, as engineers decided to forego practice runs and pre-trip evaluations in an attempt to give the trip some added spice.
In fact, the only modifications made to the car were the addition of tubular guards for the grille, rockers and rear-end, a roof rack and some artwork decorations.
According to Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Torrance-based product planners were inspired to test the FCHV when it became evident that their counterparts in Japan were going to drive a FCHV from Osaka to Tokyo - a distance of 348 miles - on a single tank of hydrogen.
"When [they] heard about Toyota Motor Corporation's plan they thought it was a great idea that probably didn't go far enough in showing how far this new system had advanced," Mr Carter said.
© Adfero LtdSource: Adfero
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