Toyota Doubles Range of Fuel-Cell Vehicle

Toyota Doubles Range of Fuel-Cell Vehicle

Toyota Motor Corp. has shown reporters in Japan a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle that has more than twice the range of its present FC model -- thanks to more onboard fuel storage.

The increase, to 780 kilometers— (484 miles) from 330 kilometers (—205 miles) came after Toyota engineers installed new, larger hydrogen fuel tanks on two of the current FC vehicles. The new tanks hold fuel that's pumped in at a higher pressure —for more density—than before. They hold 6 kilograms -- about 13 pounds -- of hydrogen...

The range would make Toyota’s fuel-cell vehicle competitive with most conventional gasoline vehicles in terms of range between fueling stops.

Fuel cells, which convert hydrogen and oxygen to electricity that can be used to power traction motors for electric cars, are being developed by most major automakers as they search for pollution-free alternatives to today’s petroleum-burning cars and trucks. While production of hydrogen consumes energy and creates emissions at the fuel-making stage, the only tailpipe emission from fuel-cell motor vehicles is a dribble of distilled water.

Lack of a hydrogen fueling infrastructure, however, is likely to hold back widespread use of fuel-cell vehicles one the technology is refined for mass produced cars and trucks.

Yoshihiko Masuda, a Toyota managing officer, told journalists that the new generation fuel-cell vehicle also was able to increase its range because it is 25 percent more fuel efficient than the FC model. Part of that, he said, is because the test vehicle's onboard electronic equipment consumes less of the electricity produced by the fuel cell.

John O'Dell:  is an AutoObserver Senior Editor. Follow @AutoObserver on Twitter.