Toyota Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Prototype

FOX LAKE, Ill. - Oct. 21, 2013 - PRLog -- Since it released the Prius hybrid back in 1997, Toyota’s dominance of the hybrid market has been largely uncontested. And while many other automakers are pouring time and resources into developing their own hybrid and electric-powered vehicles, the Japanese automaker is once again looking towards the future: a future in which cars are powered by hydrogen fuel cells delivering unrivaled efficiency and fewer emissions.
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At the current pace of development, Toyota will have a hydrogen-powered midsize sedan on the road by 2015. And while the first models will have a price tag of around $50,000, Toyota hopes to bring that number down to around $30,000 by 2020.

The current prototype features a hydrogen-powered generator which feeds energy to an electric motor. In this way, Toyota’s upcoming fuel-cell vehicle will be similar to both hybrids and internal-combustion-powered cars. Since a hydrogen tank can be refilled in just minutes, it has the same potentially unlimited range of a gas-powered car. On the other hand, since the power generated by the hydrogen fuel cells goes directly to an electric motor, it drives much like a hybrid or electric vehicle: silent, but with lots of torque.

The biggest challenge for hydrogen-powered cars is the simple fact that there is no large-scale distribution infrastructure. Gas stations can be found just about anywhere, and electric cars can be powered up at home or at a growing number of charging stations around the country. But since hydrogen is by far the most abundant element – though not in a pure, readily usable form – in the universe, Toyota is banking on the distinct possibility that cheap, clean ways of producing the gas will be developed as demand for it grows. It’s even possible that small hydrogen plants – small enough to fit in the average garage – would allow people to fill up from home. And since a tank of hydrogen can power a car for as many as 300 miles, the range anxiety associated with electric vehicles shouldn’t be a problem at all.

While hydrogen-powered vehicles won’t be arriving at Toyota dealerships for a few years, drivers can find a wide selection of fuel-efficient, eco-friendly cars at their local Fox Lake Toyota dealership.
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