Toyota fuel cell technology

Ballard, UTC Fuel Cells, Honda, and Toyota. It should be apparent why companies like GM are now indicating that they will be deploying their fuel cells in stationary power quality markets as interim tests and applications of their fuel cell technology. 

The recent announcement of cooperation between several OEMs could have a significant positive influence to the success of the commercialization of fuel cell technology. The alliance between Toyota Motor Company and BMW as well as a between Daimler AG, Nissan and Ford Motor Company have been announced in January 2013 [67]. 

FCHV-adv T (2010) Fuel cell technology, http //www2.toyota.co.jp/en/tech/environment/... 

Compressed gas is being used in most current demonstration vehicles. But, the path to commercialization of any major new technology is a long one. In 2003 Toyota recalled some of its hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles when a leak was found in the fuel tank of one of the cars leased to Japan s Ministry of the Environment. The leak was found when a driver at the ministry heard a strange noise in the car when he was filling up the hydrogen tank. The problem was quickly identified and fixed a few weeks later. 

DaimlerChrysler was slow on producing hybrids, since it felt that Americans would not get too excited about fuel savings. The Toyota Prius and other hybrids have proved this wrong and manufacturers have not been able to keep up with the demand. Until the merger with Daimler-Benz, Chrysler was working on both fuel cell and hybrid technology. 

Toyota has been sharing technology with partner GM on electric, hybrid, and fuel cell cars. In 1998, the research division was testing methanol reformers and metal hydride hydrogen storage and had prototypes of each. 

RAND would like to thank the following organizations for their generous support of the forum and of this document Toyota South Coast Air Quality Management District California Air Resources Board Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Bechtel Chevron Corp. Parsons Corporation Ballard Power Systems, Inc. Gas Technology Institute Stuart Energy Arizona Public Service Applied Research and Engineering Services IF, LLC and Nuvera Fuel Cells. 

Ballard Power and United Technologies are leading pioneers in developing fuel cells that are so clean. Their only exhaust is distilled water. Right now, Ballard is working with Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota to introduce fuel cells into new cars. 

Toyota uses a technology that combines fuel cells with a nickel-metal hydride battery to gain increased efficiency and driving range. 

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