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Daihatsu Tanto FCHV
The Daihatsu Tanto FCHV (fuel cell hybrid vehicle) is also a mini
MPV (multi purpose vehicle) and sits on the frame of the Daihatsu
Tanto mini vehicle. Developmentally the Tanto FCHV is based on the
Daihatsu Move FCV-K2. Similar in appearance to the Honda Element
or the Scion xB, the Daihatsu Tanto FCHV seats up to four adults
comfortably, despite the fact that it is a compact car.
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Daihatsu
Tanto FCHV Mini MPV |
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The Daihatsu Tanto FCHV uses a fuel cell stack (30 kw) developed
by Toyota and has placed this stack underneath the seats for increased
roominess. The front-wheel drive 32 kw electric motor and nickel-metal
hydride battery pack provides the torque and an exceptionally quiet
ride.
The Dahatsu Tanto FCHV made its first public appearance at the
Tokyo Auto Show in October of 2005. Since then it has garnered a
fair amount of attention primarily because they have increased the
size of the hydrogen tank (35MPa), allowing greater distances between
fill-ups (96 miles), while at the same time reducing the size of
the battery and placing it in the rear compartment, giving the car
much more passenger space.
Toyota has also added LED lights to this model in the Tanto, reducing
the amount of energy it needs to run. Although it may seem like
a small detail, headlights and interior lighting can place a considerable
amount of strain on a battery. Leaving headlights on for just a
few hours, for example, can leave a car unable to start without
a jump. Reducing the power that goes to lighting makes the car much
more efficient.
Like most cars at exhibits and auto shows, the Daihatsu Tanto FCHV
will not be in production for consumers for at least several years,
if ever. However, the car is important because it demonstrates how
forward-thinking automobile companies are dealing with the problems
that equipping cars with fuel cells brings, namely, the cost of
the technology, passenger comfort, driving speed and maximizing
the range of the vehicle. The Daihatsu Tanto FCHV is currently in
a leasing agreement with Osaka Prefectural Government in Japan.
| Daihatsu has also added an energy
indicator to this model. Much like the gas gauge on your car,
this energy gage can accurately tell drivers how much power
their vehicle has left, making it more user-friendly and easier
to drive. |
The Daihatsu Tanto FCHV energy indicator
lets fleet drivers know when its time to pull over to the
nearest hydrogen fueling station or head back to base camp
for their next fuel up.
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Although not a big advancement, most fuel cell prototypes still
don't have an accurate way for the driver to gauge how much further
they could go before needing more hydrogen for the tanks.
All in all, the Dahatsu Tanto FCHV shows that future hydrogen car
design doesn't have to be based upon the engines and drive trains
of older automobiles. More passenger room and comfort can be had
with newer fuel cell based models and its simply a matter of allocating
the components sensibly throughout the vehicle that will drive even
future design improvements.
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