Top > Report on the Long Distance Demonstration Drive of 1,100km (approx. 684 miles) by Three Fuel Cell Vehicles
From Wednesday 11 to Thursday 12 of November, 2009, three Fuel Cell Vehicles, attracting a lot of attention, ran the entire course from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Tokyo to the Kitakyushu Hydrogen Station, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, a distance of 1,100 km (about 684 miles).
- At 9:00 a.m. November 11, the three FCVs departed from METI, Tokyo
- At 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, the three FCVs arrived at Aichi Prefectural Government Office
- At 9:00 a.m. Thursday, November 12, the three FCVs visited Osaka Prefectural Government Office
- At 7:40 p.m. Thursday, November 12, the three FCVs arrived at the Kitakyushu Hydrogen Station
At 9:00 a.m., November 11, the three FCVs departed from METI, Tokyo
Despite the unfavorable rainy weather, a crowd of people turned out to send off the three Fuel Cell Vehicles as they departed from METI to Kitakyushu for a 1,100 km drive. All three cars were in good condition!
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| Tape cutting at the Departure Ceremony | Vice-Minister Mashiko enjoyed a trial run, and was impressed by the vehicle’s comfort and silence. |
At 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 11, the three FCVs arrived at the Aichi Prefectural Government Office
The cars arrived at the Aichi Prefectural Government Office. Mr. Inagaki, Vice-Governor, encouraged the drivers and staff by his remarks wishing them a safe drive to Kitakyushu!
All three cars ran comfortably the whole journey. After stopping by at a hydrogen station to refuel, they left for Osaka.
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| A Photo shot with Mr. Inagaki, Vice-Governor of Aichi Prefecture and the drivers and staff. | The FCVs and news reporters arrived at the Aichi Prefectural Government building. |
At 9:00 a.m., Thursday, November 12, the three FCVs visited the Osaka Prefectural Government Office
At 9:00 a.m., Mr. Kimura, Vice-Governor, welcomed the FCVs at the entrance of
the Osaka Prefectural Government Office. Members of the Osaka FCV Promotion Conference were also present and were able
to show their strong enthusiasm for
the FCV promotion in Osaka.
The three FCVs departed again for Kitakyushu, leaving Osaka Castle behind. All three cars were running fine without any problems following their long drive.
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| At the main entrance of the Osaka Prefectural Government building | The weather turned out fine. The three FCVs shone in the morning sunshine |
At 7:40 p.m., Thursday, November 12, the three FCVs arrived at the Kitakyushu Hydrogen Station
The three FCVs reached their goal safely!
They were about two hours behind schedule due to road restrictions, but the FCVs arrived at the Kitakyushu Hydrogen Station bathed in warm applause and cheering. We were very pleased with this result.
We would like to express our appreciation for all your support and cooperation!
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The outline of Long Distance Demonstration Drive
- Pre-event
November 10, 2009 (Tue)：Opening ceremony at the Nikko Hydrogen Station (Nikko, Tochigi)
- Travel Schedule
• November 11, 2009 (Wed): The departure from Kasumigaseki, Tokyo (METI)
• November 12, 2009 (Thu): Courtesy visit to Osaka Prefectural Government Office
The Goal at the Kitakyushu Hydrogen Station (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka)
- Post-event
November 13, 2009 (Fri): Closing ceremony （Kyushu University, Fukuoka）
Reference
Release Date
November 12, 2009
Division in charge,
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Promotion Office, Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
