[First in Japan!] Collaborative Demonstration Project for Social Implementation of "Hydrogen Engine Hybrid Vehicle" to Begin July 7, 2026 (Tue) from Tokushima Prefecture! Departure Ceremony Held at Naruto Park

Tokushima Prefecture has commenced a collaborative demonstration project for the social implementation of a "hydrogen engine hybrid vehicle," a first in Japan, starting July 7, 2026 (Tue). A departure ceremony was held at Naruto Park.

This demonstration project is being conducted in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation, and we will verify its practicality in actual business settings until December 22, 2026.

Background and Objectives

Tokushima Prefecture is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to achieve "Carbon Neutrality by 2050," which includes not only the widespread adoption of EVs and storage batteries but also the utilization of hydrogen as a key next-generation energy source.

We received a proposal from Toyota Motor Corporation for a technical demonstration to operate a vehicle equipped with a "hydrogen engine" using locally produced hydrogen. Based on this, we are launching this collaborative demonstration project, the first of its kind in Japan, aimed at social implementation.

Through various initiatives for regional decarbonization, we are committed to passing on our prefecture's rich natural environment, including Naruto Park, to future generations.

Departure Ceremony Held at Naruto Park

To mark the start of the technical demonstration, a departure ceremony was held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, July 7, at the Senjojiki observation deck in Naruto Park, Naruto City.

Overview of the Technical Demonstration

In this demonstration, we will collect insights from real-world operations by running the vehicle in its normal business operations in collaboration with local companies and universities.

Demonstration Period: July 7, 2026 - December 22, 2026

Demonstration Vehicle: Toyota Hydrogen Engine Hiace (Hybrid System)

* A "hydrogen engine vehicle" uses "hydrogen" as fuel instead of gasoline, while retaining the internal combustion engine, and emits virtually no CO2 during operation.

Demonstration Scheme: During the period, we will verify its practicality in actual business settings by having demonstration partners use the vehicle in their normal operations.

Implementation Structure

Collaborating Entities: Tokushima Prefecture, Toyota Motor Corporation

Special Cooperation: TOAGOSEI CO., LTD.

Demonstration Partners (in no particular order):

Aoawo Naruto Resort

Hotel Ridge

Moana Coast

Kuragekan Group

Tokushima University

Shikoku University

Contact Information for Inquiries

Department: Tokushima Prefecture, Life Environment Department, Sustainable Society Promotion Division, Decarbonization Promotion Section

Contact Persons: Igawa, Ando

Phone Number: 088-621-2703

Email: [email protected]