Toyota Oz Says Commercial Vehicles Key to FCV Growth
The automaker says refueling stations initially will be located in depots across the country to help fast-track implementation of the new technology. As CVs return to a central depot each day, each location will require only one refueling station.
Toyota Australia predicts the commercial sector will play a vital part in the planned rollout of hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles.
As a result, the automaker says, refueling stations initially will be located in depots across the country to help fast-track implementation of the new technology. And, as commercial vehicles return to a central depot each day, only one refueling station will be required at each location.
“This not only means fuel-cell vehicles could be introduced in Australia a lot quicker, but it also allows more time for the relevant infrastructure to be rolled out throughout the country for private vehicle use,” Toyota says in a statement.
Toyota’s first commercially available fuel-cell vehicle, the Mirai – which means future in Japanese – will be on display in mid-October at the 6th World Hydrogen Technologies Convention in Sydney.
Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner says using the CV sector would be the ideal pilot program should fuel-cell vehicles be introduced locally.
“Of course, we acknowledge that we are a fair way off being in a position to introduce this technology in Australia as we first need the relevant infrastructure,” he says.
“However, with a well-developed implementation plan towards the future, we believe this vision would be an ideal way to introduce Australia to this exciting new technology and pave the way for the eventual rollout to the private sector.”
Mirai drivers can expect a cruising range of about 345 miles (550 km) and a hydrogen refueling time of about three minutes.
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