Johannesburg – In a bold statement of commitment to sustainable economic growth and climate-resilient innovation, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) partnered with Air Products, Valterra Platinum, and SASOL to provide zero-emission mobility for speakers at this year’s B20 Summit. The initiative featured chauffeur-driven rides in two Toyota Mirai Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), highlighting Toyota’s leadership in hydrogen technology and the role of clean mobility in advancing the energy transition.
While the Mirai is not yet commercially available in South Africa, its presence at the summit served as a powerful demonstration of Toyota’s global expertise in hydrogen-powered transportation. Unlike conventional vehicles, the Mirai generates electricity from hydrogen fuel cells, emitting only water vapor and no carbon dioxide. This underscores Toyota’s commitment to carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach that includes hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel-cell technologies, alongside other emerging solutions tailored to diverse markets.
“By showcasing hydrogen-powered mobility at the B20 Summit, Toyota reinforces its dedication to pioneering technologies that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Leon Theron, Senior Vice President at Toyota South Africa Motors. “This initiative highlights Toyota’s commitment to supporting global sustainability goals while contributing to local conversations on innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainability.”
Collaboration Driving the Hydrogen Economy
The Mirai’s summit debut was complemented by a live hydrogen fuelling demonstration, conducted in partnership with Air Products, Valterra Platinum, and SASOL. The demonstration offered attendees a firsthand look at how South Africa’s emerging hydrogen infrastructure can support sustainable energy solutions, driving innovation while aligning with the B20 Task Force on Energy, Sustainability, and Climate.
“This activation provided valuable insights into the technology behind the Toyota Mirai and the broader role of hydrogen in future mobility,” Theron explained. “It also exemplifies the cross-sector collaboration needed to build the partnerships and infrastructure required for a resilient hydrogen ecosystem.”
Hydrogen as Part of a Multi-Pathway Future
Toyota’s support of the B20 Summit underscores the company’s multi-pathway vision for carbon neutrality, recognising that no single technology can meet the diverse needs of global markets. Through this demonstration, Toyota aims to stimulate dialogue and foster partnerships that will drive sustainable mobility both in South Africa and globally, paving the way for a future where clean, innovative transport solutions are accessible to all.
By providing a tangible example of hydrogen mobility in action, Toyota and its partners at the B20 Summit have highlighted the potential of alternative energy solutions to transform transport, reduce emissions, and accelerate the global transition to a sustainable future.
