Toyota Wins Approval For New FCV Hybrid

Toyota has developed a new hybrid fuel cell that powers a vehicle with both hydrogen and electricity. The prototype vehicle can travel more than 500 miles between refueling stops. The FCHV-adv model was approved by the Japanese government last week and will be available for lease later in 2008. The company has not indicated whether they intend to sell or lease the vehicle in any other markets around the world.

In addition to combining the hydrogen fuel cell with an electric motor, the company also improved braking to enhance the vehicle's fuel efficiency. The company reports that the FCHV-adv can start and operate in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 Celsius).

Honda and BMW have production hydrogen fuel cell vehicles ready to go. Honda's FCV will be available for lease in California. Leasing is the most popular arrangement for FCVs, since they are otherwise cost-prohibitive. GM has stated that its FCV development is at a standstill until a suitable infrastructure for refueling is developed. The largest US automaker predicts that FCVs may not be available as a practical alternative until the 2020s, but the company says it remains committed to developing FCVs.

Considerable research effort is also being directed toward on-board catalytics that can be handled safely and will produce hydrogen abundantly enough to power a vehicle. Currently, onboard storage of hydrogen takes up significant space and requires design alterations to the cabin to accommodate the storage tank.

Source: PhysOrg, via AP