Toyota is planning to introduce hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCV) s in UK, which will be rolled out by next year, reports Derby Telegraph.
Toyota unveiled its first FCV, the Fuel Cell Sedan at the recent Paris Motor Show, which will be on sale in Europe next year in the UK, Germany and Denmark.
These vehicles will be the most feasible eco-friendly solution to reducing the environmental impact. The cars are powered by electricity created by the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapor as the only emission.
However, to make these cars a success refueling points are a must. A network of pumps is necessary to refill cars with hydrogen.
It has been given a major publicity after which the Government decided to establish a number of refueling station network across Britain.
Toyota estimates that at least one station within a 120-mile radius, along motorways and main roads and with many more concentrated in urban centers need to be established. There are currently 13 hydrogen refueling stations in the UK.
The cost of refilling a car like the Toyota FCV, which has a 300-mile range will be around $50 to $60 dollars, according to experts.
The team is not quite ready to show off the interior yet, but it’s safe to say that it’ll be very spacious with ample trunk room. The hydrogen fuel cell sits under the front seats, and the hydrogen gas tanks are under the back wheel well. It’s been optimized for comfort, says, Jana Hartline, environmental communications manager, Toyota.
Business Minister Matthew Hancock has announced a package of £11 million for the introduction of the cars, including installing extra 15 hydrogen re-fuelling stations and upgrading existing ones.
Hydrogen cars present a huge economic opportunity and can bolster UK’s internationally renowned automotive industry. UK wants to be famous for designing, manufacturing and selling ultra-low-emission vehicles, commented Hancock.
Hydrogen can be produced from primary energy sources like solar and wind power, easy to store and transport; and when compressed, it has a higher energy density than batteries.
In addition, fuel cell vehicles do not emit carbon dioxide or harmful substances, but offer the convenience associated with petrol-powered vehicles.
Toyota FCVs will initially be manufactured in Japan and the costing will be about £43,000. The price is being subsidized by government. The price of car in Europe is expected to be around £50,000 according to experts.
In a new research finding, a group of scientists from Hydrogen Energy Centre at Benaras Hindu University of India has come up with a way of storing large quantities of hydrogen on board vehicles.
They used the solid endosperm of coconuts and found that carbon from coconut kernels have considerable hydrogen storage capacity, 2.30 weight percentage.
Already there are few number of hydrogen propelled vehicles on road from reputed brands such as Chevrolet Equinox, the BMW 745h and the Honda FCX.
Rajani Baburajan
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