Mazda's Hydrogen Hybrid Car Approved by Japan's Gov't

Mazda Motor Corp announced that its hydrogen rotary engine vehicle "Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid" was certified by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) May 20, 2008.

The company plans to obtain a license plate and conduct public road tests in Japan.

Aiming to start commercial leasing within fiscal 2008, Mazda is promoting the development of this vehicle. The company also plans to display and demonstrate the new vehicle at the Environmental Showcase during the Hokkaido Toyako Summit, along with the previously released "RX-8 Hydrogen RE."

Like the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid employs the dual-fuel system, which allows the car to run on both hydrogen and gasoline. With the adoption of a hybrid system composed of a hydrogen rotary engine combined with a motor, the output of the new vehicle is improved by 40% and the travel range when driving on hydrogen alone is extended to 200km.
Furthermore, the car features Mazda's proprietary environmental technologies, such as the plant-derived "Mazda Biotechmaterials" used for interior plastic parts and seat covers.

Source: techon