Toyota may supply hydrogen engine to Lexus

As previously reported , on December 15, Toyota launched the Toyota Mirai, which runs on hydrogen, for sale. The engine of the car is electric, its power is 151 hp. And electricity is generated by a converter that is powered by hydrogen (stored in two tanks under a significant pressure of 70 MPa).

The car receives oxygen while driving, capturing large volumes of air, and passing it through the converter. As a result, one “charge” is enough for about 480 kilometers. So, the company plans to deliver this system, a hydrogen engine, converter, etc., to Lexus.

It is worth noting that Toyota expects to sell approximately 700 cars with fuel cells in the first year of sales, with a further increase in sales to 3,000 (in 2017). At the same time, developers understand that not everyone can like the design of Mirai. Therefore, now the company is discussing the possibility of installing a hydrogen engine in the Lexus LS.

If this happens, then the first Lexus with a hydrogen engine will appear no earlier than 2017. According to data received from Toyota’s internal source, the car’s design will be changed in order to receive more air when driving to cool electrical components.

The fuel cell itself will be installed under the front seat, and hydrogen tanks under the rear seats. Most likely, such a car model will be slightly lighter than the current LS600hL. Well, at one hydrogen refueling Lexus will be able to drive no more than 350 kilometers, after which it will be necessary to refuel.