The final episode of Toyota Times News in 2025 focused on the 2026 Hakone Ekiden, a university relay race that takes runners on a round trip between Tokyo and Hakone.
Toyota has provided vehicles to support the Hakone Ekiden. For the 102nd race in 2026, 40 vehicles—battery electric (BEV), fuel cell electric (FCEV), and hybrid (HEV)—will support race operations, with the aim of making the event more sustainable for both runners and the environment.
The Century, which will serve as the race headquarters vehicle, has been converted from a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to an FCEV using a Mirai system. The fuel cell unit was carefully installed after piping and other components were reconfigured to fit within the engine bay.
Fuel cell electric small trucks and Coasters were also used to transport media crews and broadcast cameras. Last summer, the development team conducted trial runs along the Hakone route with the vehicles loaded to simulate race-day conditions.
The uphill fifth stage, where the “God of the Mountain” is made, and the downhill sixth stage, with its many sharp curves and an elevation difference of around 800 meters, are among the most challenging sections for runners. Were the FCEVs able to handle it?
At the qualifying race in October 2025, the e-Palette successfully transported supplies to the water stations. During the main race, it took on roles as a medical vehicle and an emergency response vehicle.
Meanwhile, the university management vehicles used by team coaches were HEV versions of the Noah and Voxy. They ran on low-carbon E10 gasoline blended with ethanol made from sorghum grown in Fukushima—another contribution toward reducing CO₂ emissions.
A full list of the vehicles provided can be found at the end of this article.
The starting pistol rang out at 8 a.m. on January 2. Congratulations to all the runners and everyone who made the race possible!
<Vehicles and their roles>
Century (FCEV): Race headquarters vehicle
Crown Sedan (FCEV): Race headquarters vehicle (return leg only), race chairperson’s vehicle, PR vehicle, press vehicle
Light-duty truck (FCEV): Joint camera vehicle
Coaster (FCEV): Competitor bus, joint press bus
GranAce (FCEV): Luggage vehicle
e-Palette (BEV): Medical vehicle, emergency response vehicle
RZ (BEV): Technical administration vehicle
Noah, Voxy (HEV): University management vehicles (using low-carbon E10 gasoline)