By Nur Ashikin Louis and Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Jan 16: The new hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai can make a trip from Kuching to Limbang without refueling, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the brand-new car model marks a new evolution in the automotive industry which is also part of the Sarawak government’s efforts to promote the use of hydrogen energy.
“Today we have UMW Toyota Motor with us to present a high-tech car that can go over 1,000km on a single fuel tank. This is equivalent to a trip from Kuching up to Limbang without any refueling.
“And if we want to refill hydrogen, it will only take about three to four minutes to fill a full tank,” he told reporters at the Toyota Mirai handing over ceremony held at Menara Pelita here today.
UMW Toyota Motor handed over four units of Toyota Mirai to SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd, as well as one unit to Abang Johari.
With a cruising range of a conventional sedan and the ability to refuel within five minutes, the Toyota Mirai runs on a hydrogen fuel cell with enormous potential as environment-friendly vehicles or ‘ultimate eco-cars’ which emits only water.
According to UMW Toyota Motor in a media release, with the delivery of the Mirai to SEDC Energy, both parties are set to capitalise on the opportunity to further study the potential of its technology as a stepping stone for developing a low-carbon economy with new fuel cell systems that prioritise compact size, efficiency and productivity to support the mobility needs of society.
Also present were SEDC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Abdul Aziz Husain, UMW Holdings Berhad chairman Tan Sri Dato Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman and Sarikei MP Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii. – DayakDaily
