The Toyota Mirai is already Madrid's first hydrogen taxi

Taxis and other vehicles dedicated to public transport are undergoing the changes that are reaching urban mobility. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are arriving in cities, mainly in the form of buses. But there is also room for passenger cars, so it will become increasingly easy to find taxis powered by this fuel.

In Madrid, the first hydrogen fuel cell taxi is ready to begin operating. It is a Toyota Mirai, which has received the approval of the city council’s Department of Environment and Mobility. Like any other vehicle, the Mirai must comply with all the regulations established for providing taxi services in the capital.

All requirements in order

The Toyota Mirai that has met the legal and regulatory requirements will wear the traditional red stripe on its bodywork. It has been approved as a five-seat taxi. That said, the central seat, as is often the case in cars of this type, is rather narrow and does not allow an adult to travel comfortably.

Taxi services in Madrid are changing considerably, since from 1 January 2018, vehicles without a 0 or ECO label can no longer provide service. From 31 December 2022, cars over ten years old will no longer be allowed. All of this makes hydrogen fuel cell cars a very suitable option for providing the service.

Looking at the Toyota Mirai, it has low maintenance costs and is capable of offering a range of up to 650 km on a single charge of 5.6 kg of hydrogen at 700 bar of pressure. This figure gives it a range superior to battery electric cars and even some with combustion engines, which makes it an ideal vehicle for getting around the city.