You can’t purchase one unfortunately.
What is the worst thing about a radio-controlled vehicle? It is having to stop for fuel, or a new battery. This usually takes about 20 minutes in the best-case scenario. The time it takes to recharge a battery is decreasing, but you can now add hydrogen to your list of RC fuel options. Well, sort of.
This mini Toyota Mirai is powered by a small hydrogen fuel cell. Toyotareturned to UK-based tech firm Bramble Energy to build a miniature fuel cell. The company said it was challenging. Bramble Energy’s printed circuit boards fuel cell system was redesigned to fit into a miniature radio control chassis. The board has two small hydrogen tanks, which look like AA batteries. They are attached to either side of it and feed the hydrogen manifold.
All of it is mounted in a Tamiya 1:10 scale chassis, which was the other Toyota partner for this experiment. Tamiya, a company known for making a wide variety of radio-control cars in scale, provided a TT02 four-wheel-drive chassis to the foundation. We’re sorry to report that Toyota does not provide information about the motor or the speed of the mini Mirai, but the power output is listed as 20 watts. Toyota claims that it has a double-standard operating range than conventional batteries. It also comes with a custom-molded body in the form of a Toyota Mirai.
Why make a hydrogen-powered RC vehicle? Toyota says it’s not about making a new toy. It’s about demonstrating how hydrogen fuel cell technology can be extended beyond automobiles. This means that you won’t find one at your local hobby shop anytime soon. And yes, it’s ironic that Toyota created a model car to demonstrate the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology beyond the automotive sector. Everyone loves RC cars and this project is very fun.
David Rogers, a spokesperson for Toyota on alternative fuels, stated that cars are only the tip of the iceberg in Toyota’s progress towards a hydrogen society. “Hydrogen is a key component in our future energy requirements, bringing zero emission driving to both small and large cities. It makes it possible to store and transport renewable energy quickly, so it can be used to power many industries.