Toyota takes covers off fuel cell sedan, prices it at Rs 40 lakh in Japan

Toyota Motor Corporation has revealed the exterior design and Japan pricing of its hydrogen fuel cell sedan, first unveiled as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. The car will be launched in Japan before April 2015, and preparations are underway for launches in the US and European markets in mid-2015.

In Japan, the fuel cell sedan will go on sale at Toyota and Toyopet dealerships, priced at approximately 7 million yen (Rs 40.6 lakh) excluding consumption tax. Initially, sales will be limited to regions where hydrogen refueling infrastructure is being developed. US and Europe prices have not yet been decided.

Hydrogen is a particularly promising alternative fuel since it can be produced using a wide variety of primary energy sources, including solar and wind power. When compressed, it has a higher energy density than batteries and is easier to store and transport. In addition to its potential as a fuel for home and automotive use, hydrogen could be used in a wide range of applications, including large-scale power generation.

Toyota has been developing fuel cell vehicles in-house for over 20 years. Its fuel cell system includes a proprietary FC Stack, which generates electricity from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. In 2002, Toyota began leasing the FCHV, a fuel cell SUV, on a limited basis in Japan and the U.S.

Significant improvements have been made to the FC system since 2002. The company says the fuel cell sedan revealed yesterday features performance similar to a petrol engine vehicle, with a cruising range of approximately 700km and a refueling time of roughly three minutes. When driven, it emits only water vapour produced by the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

Fuel cell vehicles do not emit CO2 or environmentally harmful substances during operation, and offer the convenience of petrol-powered cars. Toyota believes they have a great deal of potential and its group companies are also engaging in other hydrogen-related initiatives, such as developing and testing fuel cells for use in homes, and developing fuel cell forklifts and fuel cell buses.