Toyota to Show Its Commercial 2015 Fuel Cell Vehicle This November

July 2, 2013 | By Hydro Kevin Kantola | Filed in: Hydrogen Cars.

At the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show in November, Toyota expects to unveil its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that will be for sale as early as 2014 (for the upcoming 2015 season). Toyota has already put the price of the car in the $50,000 range and yet they have also stated that it would be price competitive with the $69,900 Tesla Model S. So, there is a little hedge room and it’s still a mystery as to the exact sticker price we can expect.

According to Bloomberg, “Hydrogen fuel cells have long been seen as a potentially perfect way to power a car: They generate electricity and emit only water vapor. While a few cars have been tested, Toyota Motor Corp. is about ready to roll.

“The automaker that defied skeptics in the ’90s with its Prius gasoline-electric hybrid cars is looking for a fuel-cell sequel. At the Tokyo Motor Show in November, it plans to show a hydrogen-powered sedan that would be sold as a 2015 model. It could be available in U.S. dealerships as soon next year for a price comparable to a mid-size BMW or Tesla Model S.”

When the Prius was introduced in Japan in 1997 and worldwide in 2000, there were many naysayers who said that these hybrids were a gimmick that would basically flop in the marketplace. Now, however, the Prius is sold in around 80 countries (and regions) and in 2009 it was the best-selling car in Japan.

And of course, who is spearheading the rollout Toyota’s new hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for commercial sale? That’s right, it’s Takeshi Uchiyamada, who was the original chief engineer responsible for developing the Prius and current Vice Chairman of the Board for the Toyota Motor Corporation.

 


2 comments on “Toyota to Show Its Commercial 2015 Fuel Cell Vehicle This November