The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is Mazdas second hydrogen rotary engine model to be commercialized; the first was Mazdas unique RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrids finalized specifications were approved by Japans Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on March 5, 2009. The first vehicles received their registration numbers from the Hiroshima branch of the Chugoku District Transport Bureau on March 25. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid features a series-type hybrid drivetrain, which combines Mazdas hydrogen rotary engine with an electric motor. The engine output is converted to electricity, which then powers the motor that drives the wheels. This hybrid system boosts the hydrogen fuel range of the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to 200 kilometers, twice the range of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, and increases the maximum output by approximately 40 percent, to 110 kilowatts. Mazdas latest eco-car features many other forward-looking environmental technologies, including Mazdas proprietary dual-fuel system, which enables the car to run on gasoline if hydrogen is unavailable, and interior parts made from Mazdas plant-derived Biotechmaterials. Based on the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan, Mazda is committed to pursuing harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, and the quest for an advanced Zoom-Zoom world. Mazda aims to offer vehicles that "look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again." Main specifications of the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid Base model: Mazda Premacy Overall length: 4,565mm Overall width: 1,745mm Overall height: 1,620 mm Engine: Mazdas hydrogen rotary engine (with dual-fuel system) Motor: Alternating current synchronous motor Maximum output: 110 kW Generator: Alternating current synchronous generator Battery: Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Seating capacity: Five Fuel: Hydrogen and gasoline Hydrogen tank: 35 MPa high-pressure tank History of Mazdas hydrogen vehicle development 1991: Developed first hydrogen rotary engine vehicle, HR-X 1992: Conducted test drive of golf cart equipped with fuel cell 1993: Developed second hydrogen rotary engine vehicle, HR-X2 Developed MX-5 test vehicle equipped with hydrogen rotary engine 1995: Conducted Japans first public road tests of a hydrogen rotary engine vehicle, Capella Cargo. 1997: Developed Demio FC-EV 2001: Developed Premacy FC-EV, conducted first public road test in Japan 2003: Announced RX-8 hydrogen rotary engine development 2004: Received MLIT approval for public road testing of RX-8 Hydrogen RE 2006: Started commercial leasing of RX-8 Hydrogen RE in Japan (eight models have been delivered to date) 2007: Signed agreement to provide RX-8 Hydrogen REs to Hynor, a Norwegian national project 2008: Commenced public road tests in Norway with RX-8 Hydrogen RE validation vehicle 2009: Commenced commercial leasing of Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid in Japan |