Could the next decade turn out be the one where hydrogen fuel cells finally become a part of the transportation scene? With fuel cell powered cars from BMW and Honda already available — and now Toyota throwing their hat into the ring — momentum is starting to build towards that reality. With the Obama administration firmly standing behind pumping cash into the green tech field, we may see even greater infrastructure development for this future. But back to Toyota…
In an interview with the NY Times on Tuesday, Masatami Takimoto, a Toyota executive vice president and board member, disclosed the company’s hydrogen plans. “By 2015, we will have a full-fledged commercialization effort,” Mr. Takimoto said. The company’s test subject right now is their Highlander SUV — which has been converted to run off of fuel cells; much like GM’s Equinox. As Congressman Eric Massa (D-NY) proved earlier this week, a hydrogen refueling infrastructure needs to be in place before the industry can take off; something equally echoed in Takimoto’s remarks. “On each side, it will take time,” he said.
So, give or take, most of the major automakers should have hydrogen vehicles available in the next six years or so. Whether they will be affordable (Honda’s FCX Clarity costs $600/mo!), is another story .
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