Toyota has launched a new hydrogen-powered Sora fuel cell route bus in Japan as part of its efforts to expand hydrogen mobility and zero-emission public transportation.
The new Sora was jointly developed by Toyota and Isuzu Motors as a next-generation fuel cell route bus. It combines Isuzu’s battery-electric full-flat route bus platform with Toyota’s fuel cell system.
Toyota has identified hydrogen as an important energy source for achieving carbon neutrality. The company launched the first-generation Sora in 2018 after introducing the Mirai fuel cell passenger car in 2014.
New Sora Extends Range to More Than 300 km
The updated Sora uses a fuel cell system and a large-capacity battery designed to improve fuel efficiency. Toyota said the total hydrogen tank capacity has been reduced by approximately 20% compared with the first-generation model, while the driving range has increased by around 100 km to more than 300 km.
The bus uses a compact Toyota fuel cell stack designed for commercial vehicles, with higher output and durability. Toyota has also developed a new high-capacity hydrogen tank for commercial applications.
The fuel cell system is mounted on the roof, allowing bus operators to access the system more easily for maintenance.
Hydrogen Refuelling Takes About 10 Minutes
Toyota says the Sora can be fully refuelled with hydrogen in approximately 10 minutes. The vehicle complies with a new high-speed filling standard, which could reduce refuelling times by about half when compatible hydrogen stations become available.
The bus can also supply electricity externally and be used as an emergency power source during disasters when connected to an appropriate external power supply unit.
New Safety Features Added
The new Sora includes an Emergency Driver Stop System (EDSS) linked to a Driver Status Monitor (DSM). If the system detects that the driver is experiencing a problem, the bus can decelerate and stop automatically before applying the parking brake.
A front blind-spot monitoring system can detect pedestrians and bicycles in front of the vehicle and provide alerts to the driver.
Full-Flat Floor Improves Accessibility
The passenger compartment uses a full-flat floor without steps, allowing passengers to move through the bus more easily. Toyota said the layout is designed to improve accessibility for passengers using wheelchairs and strollers.
An optional one-touch wheelchair securement system is available to assist passengers using wheelchairs and help drivers secure them.
Toyota offers four variants of the new Sora, consisting of two urban and two suburban configurations with different seating arrangements.
Toyota Expands Fuel Cell Technology
Toyota began supplying fuel cell systems for commercial and stationary applications in 2019. The company said it has supplied more than 3,500 fuel cell systems to more than 100 customers worldwide for applications including buses, rail vehicles and stationary generators.
For the urban version of the new Sora, the bus measures 10,545 mm in length, 2,485 mm in width and 3,440 mm in height. It has capacity for 70 people, comprising 19 seated passengers, 50 standing passengers and one crew member.
The vehicle uses a Toyota polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack with a maximum output of 113 kW. Its AC induction motor system produces up to 220 kW and 970 Nm of maximum torque.
Three high-pressure hydrogen tanks operate at a nominal pressure of 70 MPa, with a combined tank volume of 471 litres. Propulsion is supported by a lithium-ion battery.
Toyota said it will continue working with government agencies, businesses and other partners involved in hydrogen production, transportation, storage and use to expand hydrogen mobility and related infrastructure.
