Japan produces its first emission-free vehicle
Toyota’s first hydrogen powered Sedan aims to spur development and introduction of innovative fuel-cell technologies
Announced at the 2015 International CES earlier this year, Toyota will invite the public to use some 5,680 fuel cell related privileges held globally, including technologies developed for the new Toyota Mirai.
The first Mirai fuel-cell Sedan (pictured right) plans to produce 700 units of the emissions-free vehicle by the end of December.
Toyota also prepares to expand the production of the Mirai to 2,000 units in 2016 and 3,000 units in 2017.
The hydrogen-powered car can travel approximately 400 miles without refueling.
Toyota says this initiative aims to spur development and introduction of innovative fuel cell technologies around the world.
The free of charge hydrogen fuel cell patents will include approximately 1,970 which relate to fuel cell stacks, 3,350 related to fuel cell system software control, 290 associated with high-pressure hydrogen tanks and 70 specialised in hydrogen production and supply.
This will be made available to automakers who will produce and sell fuel cell vehicles, as well as to fuel cell parts suppliers and energy companies that establish and operate with fueling stations through the initial market introduction period. This is anticipated to last until 2020.
The patents are also open to companies which are working to develop and introduce fuel cell buses and industrial equipment such as forklifts.
However, requests from parts suppliers and companies looking to adapt fuel cell technology outside of the transportation sector will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
The Toyota initiative develops on previous commitments to expand on the hydrogen fueling infrastructure in California and the northeastern US.
In May 2014, Toyota announced a $7.3 million loan to FirstElement Fuels to support the operations and maintenance of 19 hydrogen fueling stations across California.
In November 2014, Toyota announced a partnership with Air Liquide to develop and supply a phased network of 12 hydrogen stations targeted for New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
