Giving an update on progress of its hydrogen power technology, Toyota stated that its engineering team is accelerating research to have the first production model by 2015. Company sources also stated that this car would be available for sale across United States and Europe followed by Japan and would be priced between $70,000 – $100000. This step to accelerate the process of making hydrogen fuel cell powered cars has been taken due to pressure applied by Japanese government to introduce stimulus into automobile sector in Japan. Though other carmakers like Nissan and Honda are also working on fuel cell technology, Toyota is among the first ones to curb harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions which is the only drawback to this technology.

Toyota has been working on this technology for a several years now as these fuel cells can be recharged within minutes and discharge also is slower than traditional battery powered cells. The firm however acknowledges that since there are several hurdles to be cleared it may be difficult to make it a mass market technology. The biggest challenge for hydrogen fuel cell car owners will be network of refueling stations within regular driving zone. Presently there is a limited number of hydrogen fuel cell recharging stations located in Japan and throughout the state of California therefore in initial years buyers will be limited to these areas. However Toyota’s management is sure that once people recognize the utility and savings of this technology they will pressurize their respective governments to set up necessary infrastructure to make purchase of this car viable.

With increasing pressure from environment agencies and government bodies along with conscious citizens to reduce emissions and opt for cleaner technology, Toyota is confident that this technology will perform better than battery powered cars. Though the carmaker has made details about design and price of hydrogen fuel cell sedan the car’s prohibitive price may make buyers think twice though it is similar to Tesla’s all electric model S. Toyota has support of Japanese government therefore is confident that subsidies and tax concessions under consideration will be applied when the model is launched in April 2015 though a similar policy will not be followed by governments in United States or Europe.

Toyota is keen on making hydrogen fuel cell technology viable in other parts of the world through collection of carbon credits which will enable it to sell traditional fuel cars without penalties. It had presented concept version of hydrogen fuel cell car at Tokyo Motor Show in 2013 under title of FCV which had large air intake grilles in front. The car is designed to take in air from outside which reacts with hydrogen within fuel cells in its hood section which then produces combination of water and energy to propel the car forward. The Japanese government will be spending around $70 million to set up 100 refueling stations for hydrogen cell fueled cars by middle of 2015 when this car is launched in Japan. Enthusiastic legislators in the state of California are also drawing up a similar plan to building refueling stations within state therefore Toyota will launch these cars here after Japanese launch.

Tagged: Toyota Cars