Hydrogen Engine Microbus Developed by Japanese Univ. Debuts on Public Roads

Tokyo City University (formerly known as Musashi Institute of Technology) announced on April 3, 2009, that it had worked with Hino Motors Ltd. and others to successfully develop a bus equipped with a hydrogen-fueled engine. A hydrogen engine generates no carbon dioxide (CO2), while only emitting water and small amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx), and has therefore gained attention as an effective alternative to petroleum-based energy sources.

The University started developing hydrogen-engine vehicles in 1974, and has developed 10 prototypes in over 30 years since then. The microbus, which was newly developed this time by a project team led by Associate Professor Masaaki Takiguchi at the University's research institution, is equipped with a 4,728 cc, in-line four-cylinder, pre-mixed spark-ignition hydrogen engine. The light blue car body designed by students of Tama Art University represents the clean nature of hydrogen energy.

After passing a technical evaluation by the Japan Automobile Research Institute and being issued a license plate from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the microbus was allowed to run on public roads as a hydrogen-engine-powered bus, marking a first in Japan. The University plans to use it as a shuttle bus running between the university's campuses: Setagaya Campus and Todoroki Campus (both in Tokyo), and the Yokohama Campus. The bus is also expected to be utilized for social welfare services.

Tokyo City University official website
http://www.tcu.ac.jp/english/index.html

Posted: 2009/08/01 06:00:15 AM