Mazda Begins Commercial Leasing of Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid

As of today, Mazda is the world's first automaker to begin commercial leasing of a hydrogen-hybrid vehicle. The new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will be delivered to local government authorities and energy-related companies in Japan during 2009. Based on the Japanese market Premacy, the vehicle is equipped with a series-type hybrid drivetrain that combines Mazda's hydrogen rotary engine with an electric motor.

As with the Chevy Volt, the rotary-engine output is converted to electricity, which then powers the electric motor that drives the wheels. This hybrid system boosts the hydrogen fuel range of the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to 200km (124 miles) which is twice the range of the firm's first commercial hydrogen rotary engine model, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. Furthermore, the hybrid powertrain helps increases the maximum output by approximately 40 percent, to 110 kilowatts (147hp).

Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid Specifications

Base model:	Mazda Premacy
Overall length:	4,565mm
Overall width:	1,745mm
Overall height:	1,620 mm
Engine:	Mazda's hydrogen rotary engine (with dual-fuel system)
Motor:	Alternating current synchronous motor
Maximum output:	110 kW
Generator:	Alternating current synchronous generator
Battery:	Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
Seating capacity:	Five
Fuel:	Hydrogen and gasoline
Hydrogen tank:	35 MPa high-pressure tank