In a European road trip showcasing the capabilities of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), members of the PGMs Market Development team drove from London in a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai to Germany’s capital, Berlin, uniting the vehicle with the country’s largest hydrogen taxi fleet.
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of platinum group metals (PGMs), Anglo American is a long-term supporter of the hydrogen economy and sees hydrogen-powered FCEVs as a key enabler of a decarbonised future. The use of zero emissions FCEVs is increasing globally as more stringent emissions targets drive technological change in the mobility sector.
Ben Clark and Stephen Bolleurs, from the PGM Market Development team, began their 1,150-kilometre journey from the Anglo American offices in London and passed through five countries, venturing first over the English Channel from Dover to Dunkirk, then east through Belgium (passing though Bruges and Antwerp), and finally crossing into Germany. At Dusseldorf they continued north-east to Hamelin, where they spent a restful night before finishing their journey to Berlin in time for currywurst and pfannkuchen.
FCEVs can travel long ranges and have short refuelling times, which means they can be particularly beneficial for fleet operators whose vehicles cover long distances, or in use cases where vehicle downtime must be minimised. For example, Ben and Stephen found that it took them just 5 minutes to refuel the Mirai for a range of over 650 kilometres. Ben and Stephen were also very encouraged by Europe’s growing hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
The FCEV that Ben and Stephen travelled in is now part of a fleet of Toyota Mirai known as H2 Moves Berlin. In this project, Anglo American, Toyota Germany and SafeDriver Group-ENNOO is proving the everyday suitability of FCEVs as a solution for passenger vehicle fleets in green cities. As of January 2024, the vehicles had covered over 3 million kilometres in more than 250,000 trips. The hydrogen vehicles can be chosen on the Uber app with the option “Comfort Electric – Premium Hydrogen / Electric Vehicles”.
Find out more:
H2 Moves Berlin
The largest hydrogen taxi fleet in Germany
Toyota hydrogen mobility
Hydrogen mobility and technology insights from manufacturer Toyota
Hydrogen Council
The Hydrogen Council is an international association of leading companies committed to accelerating the hydrogen economy. Their website provides information on the benefits of hydrogen, the state of the hydrogen market, and case studies of FCEVs.