Daihatsu Tanto FCHV
The Daihatsu Tanto FCHV (fuel cell hybrid vehicle) is a mini MPV (multi purpose vehicle) and sits on the frame of the Daihatsu Tanto mini vehicle. Tanto FCHV is built based on the Daihatsu Move FCV-K2 which is similar in appearance to the Honda Element or the Scion xB. The Daihatsu Tanto FCHV can seat up to four adults, despite the fact that it is a compact car.
The Daihatsu Tanto FCHV uses a fuel cell stack (30 kw) developed by Toyota and it is placed underneath the seats to save some rooms. 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 Dahatsu had increased the size of the hydrogen tank (35MPa) to generate 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. Daihatsu has added an energy indicator to tell how much energy has left making it more user-friendly and easier to ride.
Toyota has also added LED lights to this model in the Tanto to reduce the amount of energy it needs to run. Headlights and interior lighting can place a considerable amount of strain on a battery. For instance, leaving headlights on for just a few hours can leave a car unable to start without a jump. Reducing the power that goes to lighting makes the car much more efficient.
Sadly, Daihatsu Tanto FCHV will not be in production for consumers for at least several years but it has demonstrated 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.
