Toyota Motor is testing a hydrogen-powered car on public roads in Australia, Kyodo News reported on November 11.
The company said this is the first such test of an eco-friendly Japanese car for commercial use.
The trial, scheduled from late October to January, will use a Toyota HiAce van specially modified by local construction and safety companies to demonstrate the vehicle’s performance and durability on Melbourne’s suburban roads.
The move comes as Toyota seeks to promote hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. In May, the company entered the world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered car in a 24-hour endurance race in central Japan.
The HiAce, which will run on hydrogen gas, is being tested in Australia. “further refine hydrogen engine technology refined in motorsports for practical application”says a Toyota press release.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, already in commercial use, are powered by electric motors, while hydrogen-powered vehicles are thought to have the advantage of sharing many parts with gasoline-powered vehicles.
Australia is a hydrogen producing country and actively uses this energy source.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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