The Mayor of Derby is now driving a hydrogen-powered Toyota, showcasing the city’s commitment to sustainability and cleaner transportation.
Toyota is lending the car to Derby City Council, which is a nice gesture. They’ve been working on hydrogen tech for a while now. You might even remember their prototype Hilux fuel cell truck made right here in Burnaston.
In 2024, Derby City Council kicked off a Climate Change Action Plan. This plan aims to cut down emissions, and the Mirai is a big part of that. It runs on hydrogen made from water using renewable energy, so it doesn’t produce any harmful emissions. It’s expected to save a ton of CO2 during its trial run.
Cllr Carmel Swan, who’s in charge of climate change and transport, is thrilled about this move. She mentioned that the plan is all about making Derby greener and inspiring others to do the same. Plus, it’s great that they can showcase this zero-emission car without costing the council a penny.
Interestingly, Derby has a long history with hydrogen. Henry Cavendish, who discovered hydrogen, is buried in Derby Cathedral. Now, over 250 years later, this car is a reminder of Derby’s role in sustainable fuel tech.
Darius Mikolajczak, the managing director at Toyota Manufacturing (UK), expressed pride in supporting the council’s efforts. He believes hydrogen is key to cleaner transport and is excited about the positive impact this vehicle could have on Derby’s sustainable future.
Derby and Toyota City in Japan have been partners for 30 years, thanks to the factory in Burnaston. This two-year loan will let the Mayor and others experience this technology as Derby works on its hydrogen energy strategy.
