Mexican Media Brands
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.
#regulations
Share
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.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Engineering the 2019 Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee, which was launched in its current manifestation as a model year 2014 vehicle, and which has just undergone a major refresh for MY 2019, is nothing if not a solid success.
-
Mustang Changes for 2018
On Tuesday Ford unveiled—using the social media channels of actor Dwayne Johnson (this has got to unnerve some of the auto buff book editors)—the 2018 Mustang, which has undergone some modifications: under the hood (the 3.7-liter V6 is giving way to a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four, and a 10-speed automatic is available), on the dash (a 12-inch, all-digital LCD screen is available for the dashboard), at the tires (12 wheel choices), on the chassis (MagneRide damper technology is being offered with the Mustang Performance Package), and on the exterior (three new paint colors). And while on the subject of the exterior, there are some notable changes—a lower, remodeled hood, repositioned hood vents, new upper and lower front grilles, LED front lights, revised LED taillamps, new rear bumper and fascia.
-
Choosing the Right Fasteners for Automotive
PennEngineering makes hundreds of different fasteners for the automotive industry with standard and custom products as well as automated assembly solutions. Discover how they’re used and how to select the right one. (Sponsored Content)
