Toyota just announced that they have just developed a new fuel cell hybrid [a car powered by hydrogen and electricity] that will have a maximum cruising range of 830 kilometers or 516 miles. That is a major leap from the manufacturers previous fuel cell model which had a range of 205 miles [330 kilometers] a leap that will surely get attention from skeptics and of course other manufacturers who are eagerly trying to play ball in this area
At this distance, this kind of advancement in technology makes sense for the masses. I am sure that other automobile manufacturers are keeping a close eye on this major development. It far outpaces any advancement that I have seen from any auto manufacturer.
The technology has received the approval of the Japanese government last Tuesday (6/3/08) should be available for leasing according to Toyota Motor Corporation spokesperson Kayo Doi. The FCHV-adv model as it has been tagged should be the front runner in the current fuel cell hybrid race. Quite a few details are still forthcoming, including pricing and other details including overseas exports
Besides a tremendous advantage over gasoline engines and less reliance on crude oil, fuel cell vehicles do not produce any pollution. Fuel cells run on a chemical process when hydrogen stored in a tank and oxygen combine to create water. Water is the emission, WATER, the technology is about as good as it gets in the effort to gain better fuel economy for motor vehicles.
The FCHV-adv is produced with an electric motor and will work as a hybrid by switching between the electric motor and the hydrogen powered fuel cell. In comparison the Toyota Prius switches between an electric motor and a standard gasoline engine.
The fuel economy of the Toyota FCHV-adv was greatly improved with advances in braking technology and some other changes, however some of the most dramatic advances came with major improvement in cold weather starts, the new technology allows the engine to run and start in temperatures as low as 22 degrees Fahrenheit [minus -30 Celsius].
As gasoline prices are rising around the world because of crude oil demand the Major Automobile Manufacturers are seeing consumers interest in alternative fuels increasing. Other Major Automobile Manufacturers are pushing to get there new hybrid and fuel cell technologies into consumers hands. Later this month Honda Motor Company is launching it's new and improved fuel cell vehicle for lease in California. The new Honda will be available in California as it comes off the Honda Motor Co. assembly line later this month and arrives later this year.
Enjoy Today!
Kevin Kimbrough
That Car Guy
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