Hydrogen-powered Toyota wins Monte Carlo e-rally

A Toyota Mirai powered by a hydrogen fuel cell has claimed first place at the inaugural Monte Carlo e-rally, an FIA event open only to zero-emissions vehicles.

Driven by Artur Prusak and Thierry Benchetrit, the Toyota successfully completed the 1,000km course ahead of 34 other crews from nine different countries, most of whom were competing in electric vehicles. The Mirai was supported by a mobile hydrogen refuelling station over the five-day event, provided by French industrial gas company Air Liquide. According to Toyota, the victory also marks the longest ever distance travelled in France by hydrogen-powered cars.

“We are thrilled to have won because it is the first time in history that a rally of this size has been organised for zero-emission cars and we have achieved a world first with a hydrogen powered competition car,” said Prusak and Benchetrit, who are also the current world champions of the FIA Alternative Energies Cup.