2011 Tokyo Motor Show Preview – Toyota FCV-R Fuel-cell Concept

Toyota has unveiled the company’s next-generation fuel-cell concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The FCV-R shown here is scheduled for launch in 2015.

The concept bears a strong resemblance to the company’s famous alternative fuel hybrid, the Prius with very similar dimensions at 4,745mm long, 1,790mm wide and 1,510mm tall. The FCV-R sits on a 2,700mm wheelbase. It is highly possible that it shares the Prius’ platform.

The designers have however given the concept a more aggressive front-end, with a deep grille, possibly to aid battery cooling. According to Toyota, the fuel-cell unit is located beneath the specially designed body. This liberates more space for the passengers and their luggage.

The company also claims the four-seat FCV-R concept represents a massive leap forward in fuel-cell technology, thanks to the next generation fuel-cell stack. It consists of a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, which is said to provide a driving range of close to 700km (435 miles).

We will bring you more updates when the car premiers on November 30.