Tokyo Preview: Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid
Mazda has been leasing a version of their RX8 in Japan with a hydrogen fueled rotary engine since '06. At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda will be showing a new version of their Hydrogen-RE Hybrid model, and instead of being housed in the RX8 shell, it will be featured in the Premacy. The rotary engine is capable of running for 124 miles, doubling the range of their last model, and charges a lithium ion battery pack the electric motor. Regenerative braking is also featured on this model. In case you were wondering, no - you cannot lease one in the U.S., only Japan. At $3,500 a month, we doubt that Mazda is planning on leasing very many of them anyway.
It's worth noting that hydrogen, although cleaner burning than gasoline, carries much less energy than petroleum fuels. That's why the range, though improved, is still far less then that of the gasoline rotary-powered vehicle.
Related:
- Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid Concept: Eco-friendly rotary power
- Mazda to show a revised RX8 with gas/hydrogen hybrid engine in Tokyo
[Source: MSNBC]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
grimmex 3:21PM (10/03/2007)
Jesus, at $3500 a month for the lease, you could make a battery electric car with Li-Ion batteries that has twice or more that range. To borrow $100,000 for a Tesla on a five year term would be somewhere around $2000 a month (rough estimate - $100,000 / 60 = $1666.66).
I guess that's the cost of buying an experimental car.
Reply
Chris M 4:30PM (10/03/2007)
It is another vivid example of why H2 is a bad choice for an automotive fuel. The poor fuel economy of the internal combustion rotary engine combined with the low density of H2 means an anemic 120 mile range even with a bulky very expensive carbon fiber high pressure tank. The very high $3,500 monthly lease cost is due mainly to the very high cost of that large 10,000 psi carbon fiber H2 tank.
Now, an H2 fuel cell would be more efficient and have a better range, but would cost much more than the rotary hybrid engine and would still require the same expensive fuel tank.
So, when will we see affordable H2 powered cars? Never - the future is electric.
Reply
dean 1:58AM (10/12/2007)
I wonder what psi the hydrogen tanks are compressed to. I think the latest tanks usually go 10,000 psi.
Yeah, the Rotary engine isn't very fuel efficient, but due to its inherent design, just burns hydrogen without many modifications.
You know, with a rotary engine plus electrical assist, I bet this MPV goes much faster than its 2.3 liter counterpart!
Reply