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Posted on the 31st January 2025 in PHTM News
BRADFORD COULD BECOME HYDROGEN TAXI HUB IN TOYOTA PILOT SCHEME
Bradford could soon be home to a fleet of hydrogen-powered taxis as part of a pilot programme with automotive giant Toyota.
Bradford Council has revealed ongoing discussions with Toyota that could bring hydrogen cell Mirai cars to the district.
The potential partnership hinges on the development of a state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel site on Bowling Back Lane, which recently secured government funding, confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves late last year. This refuelling station would be crucial for the hydrogen-powered taxis.
The potential pilot programme was revealed during a Bradford Council meeting where Councillor Mohsin Hussain requested an update on the rollout of electric taxis, funded through the district’s Clean Air Zone.
The council's response highlighted the success of the Clean Air EV Taxi Fund, stating it has already facilitated the upgrade of 520 taxis to zero emissions, with further applications being processed.
“This will result in around 800 electric taxis – the highest number of electric taxis in the UK outside London,” the response added.
Beyond electric vehicles, the council's statement revealed its exploration of other decarbonisation strategies for the taxi and private hire fleet.
“The Council continues to look at potential alternative funding sources and is also in discussions with Toyota regarding a Pilot Hydrogen Taxi Programme, involving fuel cell Mirai cars, to coincide with the roll out of hydrogen infrastructure in the district.”
Toyota has yet to respond to requests for comment from local press.
The Toyota Mirai is an electric vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell stack, which generates electricity on demand by combining oxygen and hydrogen.
These vehicles are refuelled at hydrogen fuel stations, such as the planned facility on Bowling Back Lane. Toyota describes the Mirai as “the next step in the age of zero harmful tail pipe emissions, powered by electricity made in its innovative fuel cell stack that fuses oxygen and hydrogen together."
The Bowling Back Lane hydrogen production site is projected to generate £120m for the local economy and create up to 125 jobs. With a daily production capacity of 12.5 tonnes of hydrogen, it has the potential to displace the equivalent of 800 diesel-fueled buses from West Yorkshire roads daily.
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