Ramla SoniToyota Motor Corp has developed a packaged fuel cell system module, as it seeks to expand its usage and accessibility of the zero-emission technology.
The world’s biggest automaker, which launched a revamped Mirai in December, has not been successful in convincing drivers to shift to fuel cell vehicles (FCV).
FCV’s remains a niche technology as people are concerned about less fuel stations, resale values and the risk of hydrogen explosions, as fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction.
The new fuel cell (FC) battery system, which has been offered in separate parts, will be available in a compact packaged module to be used as a stationary power generator or in trucks, buses, trains and ships, Toyota said.
Toyota plans to offer horizontally and vertically packaged models, weighing about 240kg-250kg, each with a rated output of 60kW or 80kW. These models can be flexibly adapted to the output level and amount of installation space available.
“Toyota has been taking various initiatives toward the creation of a hydrogen society,” the Japanese company said.
“Through these experiences, the company has learned that many companies involved in FC products in a variety of industries are looking for FC systems that can be easily adapted to their own product.”
Toyota said it plans to sell the module to other companies in the spring of 2021 or later, but did not disclose price or sales targets.
Fuel cell systems are a clean, efficient, reliable, and quiet source of power and do not need to be recharged like batteries, but instead continue to produce electricity as long as a fuel source is provided.
