Yamaha to begin public-road trials of prototype fuel cell vehicle

Yamaha is set to begin trials of the YG-M FC, its prototype fuel cell vehicle, in Japan on April 18. Aiming to deliver a seamless vehicle sharing service, the trial will take place on a city-centre course in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, including scheduled routes as part of the city's ‘WA-MO’ new transport system.

The YG-M FC prototype fuel cell vehicle uses compressed hydrogen as its fuel and can seat four occupants. In terms of size, it is 3,370mm long, 1,340mm wide and 1,710mm tall, with an overall weight of 640kg.

Compared to electric public personal mobility vehicles of similar size, the fuel-cell prototype has the advantages of longer range and shorter refuelling time, enabling less frequent recharging and service operation with fewer vehicles.

This initiative is in alignment with the Japanese government’s basic hydrogen strategy of promoting the spread and installation of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen stations, and also contributes to addressing social issues such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and delivering the next generation of last-mile transport.

The YG-M FC is planned to be displayed at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2019 Yokohama from May 22.