Taxi firm doubles hydrogen fleet

A private taxi firm in London has doubled its fleet of hydrogen powered vehicles with the order of another 25 Toyota Mirais.

Green Tomato Cars now claims to have Europe’s largest zero emission corporate fleet.

The vehicles use hydrogen fuel cell technology to deliver a range of 300 miles from a three-minute refuelling time and operate 24/7 in London and the surrounding area.

Jonny Goldstone, founder and CEO of Green Tomato Cars, said: “We’ve been really impressed by the performance of our Mirai fleet since we rolled them out 18 months ago. With our operating experience, increasing driver familiarity with the technology, and improving refuelling infrastructure, it’s the perfect time to significantly increase our zero emission fleet.

“Our passengers love them because it means they can travel as responsibly as possible, and so do our drivers – running costs are comparable with a Prius and re-fuelling takes the same time as a conventional petrol car. They’re the ideal complement to our executive plug-in hybrid, standard hybrid and people carrier fleet – and we hope there will be more to come in the near future.”

Bart Biebuyck, FCH JU executive director, said: “Today, the air quality in cities is a central issue and the introduction of zero-emission vehicles is a needed shift to decarbonise urban transport. The fleet of 50 hydrogen fuel cell taxis operated by Green Tomato Cars in London is a flagship initiative showing that zero-emission solutions exist, do not change the way taxis are operating, and make economic sense. I trust that other cities in the UK and in Europe will soon realise the benefits of hydrogen mobility.”