Years of expertise have resulted in the development of a second generation fuel cell module that is more compact and lighter. These enable the application of hydrogen-electric technology to be expanded further, and are already in use in the hydrogen-electric Toyota Mirai.
The latest generation of fuel cells will be manufactured in Europe, namely in Brussels. Part of the reason for Europe’s selection is the region’s growing demand for hydrogen-electric vehicles. The new plant, which is scheduled to open in January 2022, will house a prototype assembly line that will combine innovative technology with high production quality.
Fuel cells of the latest generation are not only more compact, but they also have a higher power density. The modules come in a cube shape as well as a flat, rectangular shape. The latter version has the added benefit of being more adaptable to varied applications due to its flexibility.
Expanding Europe’s hydrogen economy, according to Toyota, is one of the keys to reducing global warming to zero by 2050. “By 2030, pioneers must be able to commercialize breakthrough technology in key industrial sectors to fulfill this challenge.” Different sectors are merging all of their expertise, technology, and applications with the establishment of hydrogen clusters in Europe (such as H2 infrastructure, truck and bus fleets, and passenger car fleets including taxis). This creates commercial prospects, which are the foundation of large-scale employment,” noted the Japanese automaker.
