The world’s pioneer of hybrid and green vehicles, Toyota Motor is really busy working on its more affordable Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) that is due in 2015. Toyota had already showcased its Fuel Cell concept car known as the FCV-R back in 2011. Now, for the imminent 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Japanese car giant is ready to present a newer version of the FCV-R concept car, which is expected to be closer to the actual production version.
The Toyota FCV-R is an absolute green car and is basically a more advanced and efficient hybrid vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel instead of a petrol engine that goes in case of a conventional hybrid.
Toyota is the leader in spreading the green message in the world’s auto industry, and believes that this car will be perfect solution for the energy and emission related problems. This is because the car will emit only water vapor and will be powered by hydrogen, which is found in abundant quantity in our atmosphere.
However, this abundant hydrogen gas is not easily available when it comes to refueling the Fuel cell cars, because of lack of infrastructure on which Toyota along with other global auto giants are already working on.
The Toyota FCV-R is estimated to be around 15.5 feet long, with a capacity to accommodate 4 adult passengers comfortably. The initial driving tests of the car have revealed its driving range to be around 420 miles with absolute no emissions other than water vapor.
The Japanese car giant claims that the FCV-R uses a fuel cell with the highest power density of 3.0 kilowatts per liter. Thus, it could be designed as a compact car and the fuel cell occupies much reduced interior space. However, much of the car’s space is occupied by the electric battery, 2 hydrogen fuel tanks and the car’s advanced electric drive system which actually drives the car.
Known for its innovation capabilities, Toyota has naturally progressed a lot after it first revealed the FCV-R concept in the year 2011 and is now confident about its production version that is to be launched in 2015. Much of the cost related issues are also claimed to be resolved by the company. Braced with a modern fuel cell system along with high-pressure hydrogen tanks, the cost is considerably reduced though not very affordable as yet. Toyota targets to reduce the cost much lower prior to the cars launch, so that it will be more adoptable for the mass market.
Though there is a gaping dearth of hydrogen refueling stations all over the world, which doesn’t seem to be getting any better in near future, Toyota is really extremely enthusiastic and optimistic about the success of the Hydrogen powered cars. No other global auto giant seems to be as confident on the technology as Toyota, though they have embarked on the journey mostly on joint ventures. Looking at the example of the massively popular Toyota Prius Hybrid, we can safely expect that Toyota is right this time also.
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I am into the auto blogs field for quite a long time. Living my passion of reviewing cars.
Tagged: Toyota, Toyota FCV-R Car Concept
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