4 units of the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai have been handed over to some top guns.
UMW Toyota Motor has just handed over 4 units of their hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai to Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Energy. One unit was handed over by UMW Toyota Motor and SEDC Energy to the Sarawak Premier, known by most as Abang Jo.
SEDC Energy has indicated their intention to spur hydrogen adoption in Sarawak together with Petronas. Perhaps the Toyota Mirai can be used to help SEDC Energy’s research into the viability of hydrogen fuel as an alternative to petrol and battery power. Sarawak now has a multi-fuel station which will soon be equipped for hydrogen refueling.
“In line with our commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, the Toyota multi-pathway strategy aims to help society reduce emissions while catering to their evolving needs by offering a wide range of Toyota Electrified Vehicle options.
“The immediate way forward to address CO2 emissions is via Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) like the Corolla Cross HEV which is at its most advanced technologically and economical, making it accessible to the masses. Meanwhile, a full line-up of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is underway globally and we are exploring the possibility of the introduction of a Toyota beyond Zero (bZ) model for the Malaysian market,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
“To continue the acceleration of electrified vehicles, Toyota has invested in research and development for the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. With the delivery of the Mirai to SDEC Energy, that breathes like a human and produces only water and also impressive power, both UMW Toyota Motor and SEDC Energy are set to capitalise on the opportunity to further study the potential of its technology as a stepping stone for developing a low-carbon economy with new fuel cell systems that prioritise compact size, efficiency and productivity to support the mobility needs of society,” he added.
That being said, we will be keeping tabs on this story. Back in 2018, 2 units of the hydrogen-powered Hyundai NEXO were also reportedly sold to the Sarawak Premier and Sarawak Energy, though these claims were never publicized. The Hyundai Nexo was priced at RM700,000 per unit.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
UMW Toyota Motor today handed over four units of Toyota Mirai to SEDC Energy, and together, handed over one unit of the Toyota Mirai to the Premier of Sarawak, Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg. This marks yet another step towards delivering ‘Mobility for All’ and producing ‘Happiness for All’ underpinned by Toyota’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and Sarawak’s Green Mobility and Green Energy Initiatives.
Mirai, which means future in Japanese, represents a turning point for the automotive industry, offering a cleaner and greener alternative to consumers. With a cruising range of a conventional sedan and the ability to refuel within five minutes, the Toyota Mirai runs on a hydrogen fuel cell with enormous potential as environment-friendly vehicles, or “ultimate eco-cars” which emits only water.
Toyota globally is committed to global carbon neutrality by 2050 in a practical and sustainable manner while also delivering Mobility for All and is developing and bringing a full line-up of electrified vehicles to Asian markets to expand carbon neutral and carbon reducing options for the customer. Together with SEDC Energy’s strategy and planning in Sarawak’s Hydrogen Economy and Electric Mobility, the pathway of a zero-emissions future is in mitigating climate change. These efforts are one of many steps in creating the awareness to the public on the many solutions that are available in mobility.
These options provide choices to meet the diverse economic realities of customers, the available energy sources, charging infrastructure readiness, industrial policies and varied customer mobility needs in each country. This approach helps achieve accessible electrification at scale and speed, supporting each country’s prioritized national objectives, including carbon neutrality, air quality improvement, oil import reduction, industrial development and sustainable employment while providing realistic mobility solutions. In this regard Toyota aims to work towards carbon neutrality, based on the fundamental principles of “Mobility for All” wherein there is a goal to “Leave No One Behind”.
This places Toyota among the most versatile global auto manufacturers with the agility to pivot vehicle development towards more sustainable solutions for the society and the world through its commitment to carbon neutrality.
This pushes towards cleaner and more efficient alternatives for climate conscious customers with a diverse range of options in the form of HEVs, hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and BEVs, which contributes to decarbonisation and the carbon neutrality target where Toyota has sold 20 million electrified vehicles globally reducing CO2 of 160 million metric tonnes.
UMW Toyota Motor appreciates the efforts of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, through its wholly owned subsidiary, SEDC Energy, to undertake the aspirations of the Sarawak Government, under the stewardship of Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, in becoming the nation’s leader in green energy. This is one of the few efforts led by SEDC Energy in achieving green mobility, along with its efforts to develop multifuel stations and other hydrogen projects.
For more information, visit toyota.com.my or call the Toyota freephone line 1- 800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
