At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Japanese automaker Mazda is exhibiting a new environmentally-friendly minivan called the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid. This model is largely based on the regular Mazda5 as we know it. Currently under development, it's scheduled to begin leasing later this year.
The vehicle incorporates the dual-fuel system of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, although it further enhances functionality and driving performance thanks to several key improvements, namely: a significantly extended range between fill-ups, a powerful fun-to-drive feeling as well as an increased seating capacity for five adults and greater cargo room.
Mazda is actively involved in designing unique technologies, including the hydrogen rotary engine, as part of its efforts to achieve sustainable development. Thus, Mazda's clean-energy vehicles, which run not only on hydrogen but also on gasoline and diesel, are expected to play a major role during the process of developing a hydrogen infrastructure network.
The main components of Mazda's hybrid system -- the hydrogen rotary engine, generator, inverter, electric motor and battery -- are optimally controlled to generate electricity, recharge and discharge the battery in accordance with driving conditions.
Power to spare
The output of this minivan is 40-percent higher than that of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, which Mazda has been leasing to corporations and local government bodies since 2006. Because the RX-8 is a rear-wheel drive vehicle and the Mazda5, a front-wheel drive vehicle, the hydrogen rotary engine was changed from a longitudinal to a transverse layout.
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The vehicle incorporates the dual-fuel system of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, although it further enhances functionality and driving performance thanks to several key improvements, namely: a significantly extended range between fill-ups, a powerful fun-to-drive feeling as well as an increased seating capacity for five adults and greater cargo room.
Mazda is actively involved in designing unique technologies, including the hydrogen rotary engine, as part of its efforts to achieve sustainable development. Thus, Mazda's clean-energy vehicles, which run not only on hydrogen but also on gasoline and diesel, are expected to play a major role during the process of developing a hydrogen infrastructure network.
The main components of Mazda's hybrid system -- the hydrogen rotary engine, generator, inverter, electric motor and battery -- are optimally controlled to generate electricity, recharge and discharge the battery in accordance with driving conditions.
Power to spare
The output of this minivan is 40-percent higher than that of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, which Mazda has been leasing to corporations and local government bodies since 2006. Because the RX-8 is a rear-wheel drive vehicle and the Mazda5, a front-wheel drive vehicle, the hydrogen rotary engine was changed from a longitudinal to a transverse layout.
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