Toyota backs hydrogen network – carsales.com.au

AutoExec Summary
Toyota Australia has indicated its willingness to collaborate with others in establishing a network of hydrogen refuelling stations to promote the sale of fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in Australia. Despite its strong presence in the Australian new vehicle market and its support for hydrogen and FCEVs, Toyota has stated that it does not intend to follow the model of Tesla by creating its own refuelling network.

The company recently introduced the second-generation Mirai FCEV in Australia, with a limited number of units being leased to businesses for three years due to the lack of a public hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. Toyota aims to eventually sell FCEVs to private buyers through its dealerships, with hopes of achieving this within the next decade.

While Tesla established its own supercharger network to address the lack of charging infrastructure for its electric vehicles, Toyota has emphasized a collaborative approach in working with industry partners, energy companies, governments, and consumers to accelerate the development of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. The company believes that partnerships will be key in bringing this infrastructure to market faster.

Toyota’s manager for future technologies and mobility highlighted the need for cooperation between energy suppliers and car manufacturers to address the “chicken-and-egg argument” surrounding the establishment of hydrogen refuelling stations. He emphasized the importance of working together to build the necessary infrastructure to support FCEVs in Australia.

Overall, Toyota is focused on collaborating with various stakeholders to drive the adoption of FCEVs and establish a viable hydrogen refuelling network in the country. The Japanese car-maker is not planning to go it alone like Tesla, instead focusing on fuel-cell technology for heavier vehicles. They believe that infrastructure will initially be implemented for passenger vehicles but will stay for larger vehicles due to the volume they use. The new Mirai holds 5.6kg of hydrogen, lasting 650km, while buses and trucks will need to replenish 25kg or 30kg daily. The team emphasizes the importance of infrastructure for commercial vehicles to adopt fuel-cell technology, potentially partnering with commercial vehicle builders and importers for stations.

Brands mentioned: Tesla, Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, Renault Tesla, Toyota, Mirai