Toyota Deploys Hydrogen-Powered Crown Sedan as Police Vehicle and Taxi in Japan
Toyota is expanding the roles of its Crown Sedan Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) beyond personal transport, introducing versions for use as police patrol cars and taxis in Japan. The move highlights the country’s commitment to hydrogen technology and its application in public services, particularly in regions like Fukushima recovering from the 2011 nuclear disaster. This initiative demonstrates a practical application of FCEV technology, offering long-range, zero-emission transport solutions for demanding operational needs and potentially paving the way for wider adoption of hydrogen vehicles within japan’s public sector.
In December 2024, Toyota unveiled a Crown Sedan FCEV police vehicle designed for the Fukushima prefecture. The patrol car features a distinctive black-and-white paint scheme, roof-mounted strobe lights, prominent “Police” lettering, and unique Mount Fuji-inspired graphics on the hood, replacing the standard Toyota badge with a gold emblem. Simultaneously, Toyota is deploying Crown Sedan FCEVs as taxis, showcasing the versatility of the hydrogen-powered platform.
Both the taxi and police models utilize the same powertrain as the standard Crown sedan FCEV: a rear-mounted electric motor producing 180 hp (134 kW / 182 PS) and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque, powered by a fuel cell sourced from the Toyota Mirai. The hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure tanks, providing an impressive range of up to 510 miles (820 km) on a single refill.
For those preferring conventional powertrains, Toyota also offers the Crown Sedan with a self-charging hybrid system combining a 2.5-liter engine and dual electric motors.
