Toyota Fuel Cell Bus Adds V2X, Safety Features

Toyota Motor Corp. is launching an updated version of its Sora fuel cell bus that features new safety systems and vehicle-to-everything communications.

The carmaker partnered with its Hino Motors subsidiary and affiliate Isuzu Motors on the technologies. The base Sora fuel cell bus, which can carry 78 passengers (22 seated and 56 standing), debuted in Japan last year.

V2X technology allows data to be shared between Sora buses and with infrastructure systems and fleet operators. Such communication can alert drivers of potential safety hazards and the status of traffic lights. The system also can coordinate the traffic flow of buses traveling in a convoy, Toyota says.

A new collision warning system, which uses millimeter-wave radar to detect objects in front of the vehicle, alerts drivers to make evading maneuvers. Sudden acceleration and hard braking information can be shared with other buses in the convoy.

Other new features include pedestrian alert at intersections and an emergency brake button that passengers can activate if the driver becomes incapacitated. The new buses also are capable of autonomous operation when pulling into a bus stop, which can optimize stopping position for passenger loading, including those in wheelchairs or otherwise need assistance.

The Sora is equipped with twin 114 kW fuel cell stacks and a nickel-metal-hydride battery that power two 114 kW AC synchronous drive motors. An array of ten 70 MPa tanks hold a combined 600 liters of hydrogen.