Mazda’s newest hydrogen rotary engine will take to public roads in Japan for testing this year. The company says the vehicle is the world’s first hydrogen hybrid car with a dual-fuel system, enabling the use of either hydrogen or gasoline.
The Japanese government has given Mazda Motor Corporation permission to test the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid minivan on public roads in that country. The next step will be commercial leasing in Japan during this fiscal year.
The engine’s hybrid system increases power by 40 percent, and is said to increase hydrogen fuel range to 200 kilometers, (135 miles). This is accomplished with the addition of an electric motor to enhance performance.
Mazda plans on debuting the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid alongside the RX-8 Hydrogen RE at the G8 Hoddaido Toyako Summit in July.
Plant-derived materials used for some of the vehicle’s interior plastic parts and seat covers are also featured in the new car, a part of what Mazda calls its Sustainable Zoom-Zoom environmental plan.