Tag Archives: hydrogen

NEWS

Diesel subsidy: Gov needs to explore cheaper alternatives for replacement

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Premier of Sarawak, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, suggested that the federal government should seek and explore cheap and sustainable alternative energy sources to replace the use of diesel throughout Malaysia.

He said that this long-term effort would also eliminate the need for the diesel subsidy borne by the country.

Abang Johari. Photo by: Malay Mail

“If people still use diesel and ask for subsidies, when the prices go up, they will ask for more… so why not have alternative energy so there won’t be a need to use diesel,” he said in a press conference yesterday.

Abang Johari said, for example, the government could explore the use of emerging energy sources like hydrogen, which is being actively implemented by the Sarawak government.

On Sunday, Second Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, announced that the price of diesel at all retail stations in Peninsular Malaysia was set at RM3.35 per liter, the market price without subsidies, starting from 12.01 am on Monday.

Under “Budi Madani,” a cash assistance of RM200 per month is provided to private diesel vehicle owners, small-scale farmers, and small-scale commodity growers.

Registration for Budi Madani opened on May 28 following the discontinuation of diesel subsidies, and 30,000 diesel vehicle owners will receive the assistance starting today.

NEWS

Toyota Hilux FCEV enters testing and demonstration phase

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The Toyota Hilux hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) development project, which was first announced in December 2022, has now entered its final phase.

According to Toyota, 10 Hilux FCEV prototypes have been built at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) plant in Derby, England.

Five vehicles are undergoing rigorous field testing to assess safety, performance, functionality, and durability, generating test drive data in real-world situations, while the other five are engaged in customer and media demonstrations, including at the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

Externally, the fuel cell model has the same dimensions and rugged appearance as the latest Hilux generation but beneath the surface, there’s a ‘heart’ derived from the Mirai that offers a range of up to 600 km – further than might be achieved using a battery electric system.

And thanks to hydrogen’s light weight, the Hilux FCEV is said to have higher payload capacity and towing capability compared to other zero-emission alternatives

Hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure fuel tanks, each containing 2.6kg to give a total capacity of 7.8kg. The tanks are mounted within the vehicle’s ladder frame chassis.

At the front axle, there is polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack comprising 330 cells producing 174 PS, while mounted on the rear axle an electric motor generating 182 PS and 300 Nm of torque.

Meanwhile, the lithium-ion battery, which stores the electricity generated by the fuel cells, is located in the rear load deck, above the hydrogen tanks. This avoids any loss of cabin space.

Hydrogen fuel cell is one of the powertrains developed by Toyota as part of its previously announced multi-pathway strategy.

The company expects Europe to be one of the world’s largest hydrogen fuel markets by 2030. As a result, in December 2023, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) announced the Hydrogen Factory Europe to help accelerate the commercialization of the technology.

NEWS

This Honda CR-V Hydrogen could power your coffee machine

Honda has collaborated with General Motors to develop a new generation fuel cell system that will become part of the FCEV package for the CR-V.

Revealed in a new video, it shows the CR-V as the indirect successor to the discontinued Honda Clarity, which ceased production in 2021. However, Honda is making a slight difference this time as the new CR-V will combine fuel cells with a battery pack.

The promotional video showcases the benefits of dual charging, where the owner charges their coffee machine in a remote area using the car’s battery, then proceeds to a hydrogen station to refill the H2 fuel in the rear tank. In reality, this dual charging system is not new.

Many electric vehicles (EVs) offer this functionality, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Leaf, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Chery Omoda E5.

Additionally, adding a battery pack will certainly enhance the practicality of the Honda CR-V Hydrogen, especially considering the limited availability of hydrogen refueling stations.

Honda has not shared much further information, but it is evident that the CR-V Hydrogen will be produced at the Performance Manufacturing Centre (PMC) in Ohio. This is the same facility that once manufactured the Honda NSX hybrid.

The prototype in this video is clad in a blue wrap, clearly indicating the United States (US) version as it features side marker lights on the bumper. Compared to the standard CR-V, this model has clear taillights and a charging port on the front fender.