Toyota reveals design of hydrogen model

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revealed the final design of its sedan fuell cell model, which is expected for launch in Japan in April next year. In Europe the model should arrive in the summer of 2015. Other details such as price and technical specifications are still to be confirmed.

The final version is based on the FCV concept unveiled late last year at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Fuel Cell Sedan will be powered by Toyota's fuel cell technology, associated with a pair of high-pressure hydrogen tanks.

The electricity that will power the vehicle will be generated through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen taken from the atmosphere. The only waste caused by this type of energy is the release of water vapor.

According to Toyota, the advantages of this type of energy do not stop with the zero-emissions. The Japanese brand says a hydrogen powered car can present a performance similar to a gasoline vehicle. Furthermore, in terms of refueling time it is also similar to an internal combustion engine vehicle and much quicker than the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle.

Toyota sees great potential in hydrogen as an alternative fuel by the ease with which it can be produced by green energy sources such as solar and wind, as well as easy storage and transportation.

"We are very excited about the arrival of fuel cell technology," said Karl Schlicht, one of Europe's executive vice president of Toyota. "Clearly there are many challenges ahead, such as the availability of infrastructure supply and customer awareness."

"In Europe, we will do it step by step, gradually introducing the car in select markets. But we are confident that hydrogen will become ever more popular" as an alternative fuel.