Toyota announced plans to begin sales of the first batch of hydrogen-powered cars in Japan in March next year with the U.S. and European launch to follow soon.
Toyota, the world's largest car maker, wants to transform the auto-industry with fuel-cell cars. The car maker announced Wednesday that the first batch of its hydrogen powered cars will go on sale in its home country in March next year. Following the car's release in Japan, the automobile titan is planning to enter the United States and Europe in the summer.
The Japanese government is extending support to hydrogen powered fuel-cell cars. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in his speech Tuesday, on growth strategy, said taxes will be reduced and subsidies given to fuel-cell vehicles and hydrogen fuel stations, NY Times reports. This will help expand the fuel station network that remains scarce in most countries, mainly as the technology has not caught much.
Fuel-cell cars have a positive impact on the environment. Experts see this technology as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These cars emit water and rely on hydrogen for power, which also reduces dependence on foreign oil, says a report from the US Department of Energy.
While the benefits of hydrogen-powered cars are encouraging, the new technology for cars faces some challenges. The cost of the vehicles is one of the biggest hindrances that car makers will face while selling the fuel-cell cars to consumers. Toyota's fuel-cell car is expected to hit the home market with a hefty price tag or about 7 million yen or $68,700. But Japan government's subsidies and rest on taxes is expected to drop the cost of the car down to about $20,000 by 2025.
Another challenge fuel-cell cars will face is the onboard capacity to store enough fuel to travel between fill-up stations, at least about 300 to 400 miles. This must be a standard on all vehicles of different makes and models, without affecting the luxury and performance of the vehicle. A small network of hydrogen filling stations is also a worrisome factor for the early buyers, but the Japanese government is moving quickly toward creating 100 stations by the end of March 2016 in urban areas.
Toyota launched its first hybrid vehicle, Prius almost two decades ago and quickly scaled up to the top charts in car sales. According to Bloomberg, Prius is the best-selling car in California for two years running. But will Toyota keep up the same trend for its upcoming fuel-cell car is something worth looking for in the future.
