Toyota’s fuel cell arrives in the yachting world

Now, Energy Observer Developments (EODev) is bringing REXH2 to the yachting world. Thus, the HYNOVA 40, a 12-meter-long boat from HYNOVA Yachts, which can be used both as a leisure boat and as a long-distance cruiser, is fitted with a REXH2 system to offer greater range.

While the Energy Observer’s main propulsion comes from electricity generated directly by the sun and wind, the HYNOVA 40 is a battery-electric boat, which can extend its range with the Toyota Fuel Cell-based REXH2 hydrogen extender. With a capacity of 12 passengers, it is the first recreational boat equipped with fuel cell technology and generates zero emissions, bringing hydrogen-electric hybrid technology to the maritime industry, offering silent aquatic mobility and zero CO2 or particulate emissions.

The REXH2’s Toyota Fuel Cell module offers up to 60 kW of rated net power and is based on the existing fuel cell technology of the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen sedan. Research and development by the EODev and Toyota teams has made it possible to perfectly adapt this technology to the demanding conditions of the maritime environment.

“We are very pleased to test our hydrogen technology in other mobility applications, in this case maritime navigation. Following the integration of our fuel cell module into the Energy Observer, we have further fine-tuned it to fit within the hydrogen range extender. Together with the EODev team, we can demonstrate that zero-emission and quiet technologies are already possible today for various mobility and energy applications. Making these technologies available is a great opportunity to decarbonize and contribute to the further development of the hydrogen society,” says Thiebault Paquet, Director of the Fuel Cell Business Unit at Toyota Motor Europe (TME).

With projects like this, Toyota is developing an even broader business strategy around its fuel cell technology, which can be adapted for a wide variety of uses and applications. In addition to supplying the fuel cell modules, TME offers robust technical support and the expertise necessary to ensure the system functions perfectly.

Toyota is integrating its fuel cell technology into a wide variety of mobility applications, including buses, trucks, autonomous generators, and ships.

The Hydrogen Society – Toyota Projects

Toyota’s major projects related to hydrogen fuel cell technology include the commercialization of buses and forklifts with Toyota Industries, truck development and road verification testing (U.S.), heavy-duty commercial vehicle development with Hino in Japan, development and verification testing of medium-duty commercial delivery vehicles with Seven Eleven, and fuel cell generator development and verification testing at the Honsha and Tokuyama plants. The mobile power generation system based on fuel cell buses that can carry large amounts of hydrogen (‘Moving e’), the development of external power generation devices and portable batteries, and the production of medium-sized commercial vehicles that use hydrogen to generate electricity, in partnership with Denyo.

Beyond Zero by Toyota

Toyota, with its Toyota and Lexus brands, is a world leader in the marketing of electrified powertrains, with more than 15 million hybrid electric cars sold worldwide and 300,000 units in Spain since 1997. Toyota’s electrification roadmap, with a vision for a carbon-neutral society, began more than 20 years ago with the emergence of hybrid technology, and we have continued working toward that goal ever since. This demonstrates the brand’s commitment to helping achieve sustainable mobility by reducing greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions to help positively combat climate change and by reducing polluting gas emissions (NOx and particulate matter) that directly affect people’s health. In fact, NOx emissions are more than 90% lower than the limit set by current legislation. For example, in the Yaris Hybrid, nitrogen oxide emissions are just 6 mg/km, compared to the expected limit of 60 mg/km for Euro6 gasoline cars and 80 mg/km for Euro6 diesel. Taking action to address climate change is a pressing issue worldwide, and promoting sustainable, low-carbon energy has long been a major objective. That’s why the company is taking a further step to address environmental challenges, placing hydrogen-based technologies at the forefront and seeking to make it the primary energy source for tomorrow’s society. A future society in which there will not only be no emissions, but we will also go further, connecting people, buildings, and vehicles in a single ecosystem, which will give rise to a better society, with mobility for all at its core—a mobility that goes beyond cars and is about overcoming challenges and making dreams come true. Toyota’s support for Olympic and Paralympic sport is also reflected in Start Your Impossible, a global corporate initiative that aims to inspire and achieve a more inclusive and sustainable society.