Alternative Fuels

Alternative energy sources can drastically cut emissions for cars being driven, but many of the technologies involved are not yet fully mature, and are still too costly to be implemented.

One of the most promising technologies developed is the ‘fuel cell’, which combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity that powers an electric motor. The only by-products are water vapour and heat, making this technology the ultimate zero-emission solution.

In 2002, Toyota was the world’s first automobile manufacturer to commercialise Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles (FCHVs) in Japan and the U.S. They are equipped with a completely in-house developed fuel cell – the Toyota FC Stack. The full commercialisation of fuel cell vehicles, however, requires huge investment in the creation of a hydrogen supply network similar to today’s petrol stations. This is currently a limiting factor, but their potential is obvious.

Toyota also supports the use of alternative fuels including bio-fuels for cars to help reduce fossil fuel consumption and to prevent climate change.