FOI request detail

Toyota Mirai usage

Request ID: FOI-0533-1920
Date published: 03 June 2019

You asked

To whom it may concern, I am writing on 22-05-19 to make an open government request for all the information to which I am entitled under the Freedom of Information Act. In order to assist you with this request, I am outlining my query as specifically as possible. I should prefer to receive these in electronic format at this email address within the 20 day time period. If this request is too wide or too unclear, I would be grateful if you could contact me, as I understand that under the Act, you are required to advise and assist requesters. The request is specific to Transport for London (TfL) and relates to the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars that it operates. I am interested in how much use TfL is getting from these vehicles. My questions are as follows: 1. How many Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars does TfL currently have on fleet, and when were these cars delivered (please provide month/year, detailing if the cars were received in tranches or all at once)? 2. Are these vehicles regularly deployed on operational duties? If so, please provide examples of what these duties are. 3. Has TfL encountered any difficulties in getting use out of these vehicles? If so, what are these difficulties? 4. How many miles has each one of these vehicles covered since TfL took delivery of them? Please provide the mileage covered for each of the Mirais TfL is in possession of, together with the length of possession for each vehicle. 5. What is the average annual mileage of a standard (i.e. non-Mirai) car used for the same TfL duties?

We answered

TfL Ref: 0533-1920

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 22 May 2019 asking for information about TfL fleet vehicles and the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars TfL operates.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Your questions and our replies are as follows:

  1. How many Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars does TfL currently have on fleet, and when were these cars delivered (please provide month/year, detailing if the cars were received in tranches or all at once)?

     

    TfL currently operate 4 Toyota Mirai’s which were all acquired in March 2016.

     

     

  2. Are these vehicles regularly deployed on operational duties? If so, please provide examples of what these duties are.

     

    Yes, the vehicles are deployed on operational duties on a regular basis.

     

    2 x vehicles are operated by London Buses. These are used as support vehicles to their front line operations and would attend  incidents or accidents involving London buses.

     

    2 x vehicles are operated by the Vehicle Logistics department based in Acton. Vehicles are regularly used in day to day operations and also showcased at various industry events that focus on low emission transport solutions.

     

     

  3. Has TfL encountered any difficulties in getting use out of these vehicles? If so, what are these difficulties?

     

    Operationally there have been no difficulties in terms of vehicle utilisation. Up-front driver familiarisation on vehicle controls and training on how to refuel at hydrogen fuel stations was provided to employees ensuring adoption of the new technology at the time.

     

     

    Availability of hydrogen and the number of fuel stations was initially problematic, however, the number of hydrogen refuelling stations has increased to a total of 5 around the London area making refuelling far easier over time.

     

     

    General service and maintenance on the vehicles has been excellent although the 12v batteries on all vehicles have been replaced due to faulty battery cells. No faults have been experienced on the hydrogen fuel system to date. Toyota have been proactive in assisting on any technical issues that have arisen in terms of electronic system upgrades to vehicles.

     

     

  4. How many miles has each one of these vehicles covered since TfL took delivery of them? Please provide the mileage covered for each of the Mirais TfL is in possession of, together with the length of possession for each vehicle.

     

    WM65HZD – 26000 miles – acquired March 2016 -  contract expiry date – March 2020 – Vehicle Logistics

     

    WM65HZC – 20000 miles – acquired March 2016 -  contract expiry date – March 2020 – Vehicle Logistics

     

    WM65HZE – 12000 miles – acquired March 2016 -  contract expiry date – March 2020 – London Buses

     

    WM65HYW – 13000 miles – acquired March 2016 - contract expiry date – March 2020 – London Buses

     

     

  5. What is the average annual mileage of a standard (i.e. non-Mirai) car used for the same TfL duties?

Annual Average Vehicle Logistics – 5000 miles per annum for similar duties

Annual Average Surface – 2600 miles per annum for similar duties

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

Yours sincerely

Sara Thomas

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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