Mazda shows off its hydrogen-fuelled future

The Tokyo Motor Show is currently in full swing, with manufacturers showing off everything from gas-guzzling 4x4’s to super-efficient electric vehicles. While some companies are investing heavily in electric drive trains, others believe the best bet for cleaner, greener transport still lies in internal combustion... of hydrogen.

Mazda is one such company, exhibiting its standard petrol and diesel models as well as touting this vision of a hydrogen-fuelled future. It’s far from a rough concept though; the company has been leasing a limited number of petrol/hydrogen fuelled RX-8s since 2004, and displayed its first hydrogen engine in 1991. They also have a new model currently in production, which is set to make hydrogen an even more practical alternative.

Mazda claims that the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will double the 100km range of the hydrogen RX-8s, as well adding a handy fifth seat and providing 40 per cent better performance. "These are real-world technologies that will be ready for practical application once an adequate supporting infrastructure is in place," says a Mazda statement. However, there is currently very little existing infrastructure for hydrogen cars, and refuelling them can be a problem. In contrast, the national grid already offers the perfect network for 'refuelling' electric cars.

The emissions from running a car are just part of the story, though -- there's also a huge amount of pollution caused during manufacturing. Mazda has also addressed this, and developed a plant-based material which should cut down on the amount of oil needed to furnish the interior of cars. The 'biotech material' can be used for interior plastic parts and seat coverings, and apparently offers good heat and wear protection.

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