44th Tokyo Motor Show - Highlights

The Tokyo Motor Show is an opportunity for Japanese manufacturers to reveal their latest production-ready and concept vehicles.  Below is a summary of the vehicles which have sustainability in mind, with some noticeable introductions of 'Vehicle to Home' (V2H) energy systems. Amongst other applications, these can provide short-term emergency power - something Japan is very sensitive to, following the 2011 tsunami and Fukushima disaster.

Toyota FCV Plus (2015) - in 'power sharing' mode

Honda Clarity FCV

Honda's investment in hydrogen energy continues, with the Clarity saloon, the first to incorporate the entire fuel-cell powertrain in the space normally occupied by the engine and transmission.  It has a cruising range of 700km, and the Japanese version of the model can act as a mobile power plant, with an external power feeding inverter.

Honda FCV

Lexus LF-FC

Lexus have introduced the Lexus LF-FC, a fuel-cell powered flagship concept.  Here are the details of the powertrain:

"At the heart of the LF-FC is a high output fuel cell power system that energizes the rear wheels, and also sends power to two in-wheel motors in the front, making the LF-FC all-wheel-drive. This innovative drive system allows precise torque distribution control between the front and rear wheels, giving the full-size sedan exceptional dynamic handling and superior road stability. The strategic placement of the fuel-cell stack at the rear of the vehicle, power control unit at the front and T-formation configured hydrogen fuel tanks result in front and rear weight distribution optimal for a sporty sedan."

New luxurious Lexus Concept - teaser image

Lexus LC-FC

Mercedes-Benz Tokyo Concept

Mercedes have released their 'Tokyo Concept' vehicle, aimed at 'generation Z' (those born after 1995!), living in mega-cities.  'Deep machine learning' and an intelligent Predictive Engine means it adapts to its occupants' preferences over time.  It's assumed to be a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain under its sleek body.

Mercedes-Benz Tokyo Concept - pre-show teaser image

Mercedes-Benz Tokyo Concept

Mercedes-Benz Tokyo Concept

Mitsubishi eX

Mitsubishi are due to launch a new all-electric EV, the eX.

Mitsubishi eX

In the ever-increasingly competitive compact SUV market, the eX will have all-wheel drive, automated driving technologies, active safety and connected features.

An Outlander PHEV will also be demonstrated in a 'Vehicle to X' (e.g. home) setup, showing how the battery can be used to power the home.

Nissan Gripz

One of two EV concepts being introduced by Nissan at Tokyo this year is the Gripz.

Nissan Gripz Concept

An efficient gasoline engine powers the same electric motor used in the Nissan Leaf. 

Nissan Teatro for Dayz

Nissan's concept car has a peculiar name, 'Teatro for Dayz', and ahead of the motor show isn't giving anything away about its powertrain, except that it's an EV.  Hopefully we'll find out more soon...

Nissan Teatro for Dayz

Toyota FCV Plus

Hydrogen power is currently the underdog to be the dominant fuel source for mobility solutions in the future, but some manufacturers are investing huge amounts in the technology - see my recent blog to read about some examples (including the Mirai from Toyota).  Toyota has now taken this one step further, and sees hydrogen cars as being an energy source to share with the community.  Specifically, as well as its own hydrogen tank, it can also generate electricity from an external hydrogen source, allowing the power generated to be available at home, work, etc.

Toyota FCV Plus (2015)

Toyota FCV Plus (2015) - inside

Shanghai Motor Show - Highlights

The Shanghai Motor Show has become increasingly important for western car manufacturers, as they seek to export into China's fast-growing market. Below is a summary of the hybrid cars which are hitting the headlines.  And as a reminder, for UK readers, have a look at my list of hybrid and pure-electric cars available now, with CO2 ≤ 75g/km.

Audi prologue Allroad

A concept car, the third car in the Prologue series from Audi is the four wheel drive, five-door Allroad.

A four litre, V8, twin turbo-charged petrol engine is mated to an electric motor, giving performance of 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, 724 bhp, yet 117mpg.  A 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery in the rear provides 33 miles of pure-electric range, with 'Audi Wireless Charging' (AWC), meaning induction charging would be possible.

Audi Prologue Allroad Concept

Audi Q7 e-Tron quattro - Petrol-electric hybrid

At the Geneva Motor Show, earlier this year, Audi introduced the Audi Q7 e-Tron, with a diesel engine.  In Shanghai, and for Asian markets only, they've now mated the electric motor with a (just less than) 2 litre turbocharged engine.  Combined, they give performance of 362bhp, and 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds.  The all-electric range is 32.9 miles, courtesy of 168 fluid-cooled lithium-ion cells, at 17.3kWh capacity.

Audi Q7 e-Tron (petrol-electric)

Audi A6 L e-Tron

Audi A6 L e-Tron

Audi continue to introduce hybrid powertrains into a variety of their models, this time it's the stretched A6, the 'L' version, which will be produced in China.  We see the 2.0 litre TFSI petrol engine mated to a 14.1 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery (104 cells).  The all-electric range is 31.1 miles.

BMW X5 xDrive40e

Seen in the metal for the first time at Shanghai, BMW's first mainstream plug-in hybrid, the X5 xDrive40e was showcased.  More details in my recent New York Auto Show post.

BMW X5 xDrive40e

Citroën Aircross concept

Citroën Aircross concept

Citroen have released the Aircross concept, a petrol-electric hybrid.  A  218bhp 1.6 litre engine is mated to a rear-mounted 95bhp electric motor.  0-62mph is made in 4.5 seconds, and there's an all-electric range of 31 miles.


Peugeot 308 R Hybrid Concept

Aiming to appeal to a slightly different segment that most hybrids, Peugeot's 308 R HYbrid concept mates a 16 litre turbocharged petrol engine with a pair of electric motors to give 4WD driving, a 0-62mph time of 4.0 seconds, and 500hp.

Peugeot 308 R Hybrid