Toyota is taking its just-released FCV hydrogen fuel cell-powered car on a 177-mile rally this weekend.
The FCV will serve as a scout vehicle to make sure roads are clear during the last round of the 2014 Japan Rally Championships. Toyota likely chose the Shinshiro Rally, located in Aichi Prefecture, due to its proximity to Toyota’s headquarters and the fact that it is able to promote a zero-CO2 emissions vehicle in the heavily wooded area. The rally’s stages are run on both paved and unpaved roads, and sees everything from Subaru WRXes to Peugeot RCZs.
The car itself is based on a production FCV that’s kept its exterior largely in tact. The only visible changes are graphite gray lightweight 7-spoke wheels, mud flaps, and a blue-on-white livery. A peek through the windshield reveals a roll cage and associated safety equipment.
Toyota is keeping mum on whether its proprietary fuel cell stack has been modified in any way for the rally, but a standard FCV has a cruising range of about 300 miles and takes just five minutes to refill.
The FCV will be available on a leasing plan in Japan in April 2015 and is expected to be similarly available in the US and Europe next summer.
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