Tokyo 2017: Toyota to debut Sora fuel cell bus concept

Toyota releases another bullet to fire at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show and this time it’s a bus. Dubbed as “Sora,” this fuel cell bus is more than just a concept vehicle as Toyota will produce over 100 units which will be used in the upcoming 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

According to Toyota, this concept aims to enhance the comfort of its passengers without harming the environment. As such, Sora has a fuel cell stack adopted from Mirai fuel cell vehicle (FCV), which intends to deliver a better environmental performance with no carbon dioxide emission.

Inside, Sora has a spacious interior that can accommodate up to 79 people (22 seated, 56 standing, and the driver). For passengers’ convenience, this vehicle has horizontal seats with an automatic storage mechanism to offer space for strollers and wheelchairs.

In terms of aesthetics, this bus is not just an ordinary-looking bus. It is designed to have a stereoscopic shape with LED headlights and taillights to make it more distinct than the regular buses.

Moreover, Sora is the first vehicle in Japan to acquire features such as 8 high definition cameras inside and outside the bus to monitor its surroundings and its passengers. It also comes with acceleration control function to prevent sudden brake and acceleration. 

Aside from that, the fuel cell bus has an automatic arrival control for an improved boarding and exiting. With this, the bus will stop around 3 to 6 cm. away from the bus stop, and at least 10 cm. ahead or behind the bus stop position for the strollers and wheelchairs.

The Sora fuel cell bus is equipped with 10 high-pressure hydrogen tanks. It is also integrated with a high-capacity external power supply system.