Toyota Fuel Cell and Hybrid Vehicles Make State Capitol Debut

LANSING, Mich., April 22, 2005; Key Michigan state lawmakers drove around the Capitol Thursday afternoon in some of Toyota's most advanced technology. In honor of Earth Day 2005, Toyota Technical Center brought several Toyota and Lexus brand hybrids and a Toyota Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle to the capital city. It was an impressive grouping of vehicles and the first time this type of technology had been on display at the Capitol. Representative Bill Huizenga of Zeeland, Michigan saw the value in this type of hands-on educational opportunity and was instrumental in organizing and hosting the event.

On its inaugural trip to Michigan, the Toyota Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle, which typically resides in California, performed perfectly, silently cruising around downtown Lansing. Lacking a conventional engine, the fuel cell hybrid configuration merges two advanced environmentally sensitive technologies; the fuel cell, which uses hydrogen as fuel source, and an efficient electric motor. It also includes a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which harnesses energy during the braking process. Typically only used for research and evaluation, the opportunity to drive this type of prototype vehicle was a rare and exciting event for Michigan's state legislators.

Both the all-new Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV and the well-known Toyota Prius hybrid passenger sedan were also available for test drives. Each vehicle utilizes a conventional gasoline engine in conjunction with electric motors and an advanced nickel-metal hydride battery. The battery can supply power independently or simultaneously with the gasoline engine for improved fuel economy and performance.

Toyota Technical Center, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, recognized Earth Day as an ideal opportunity to preview these advanced technology and environmentally sensitive vehicles. Toyota Technical Center is Toyota's North American R&D headquarters, employing 600 Michiganians.