Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has announced the establishment of their North American Hydrogen Headquarters in a bid to advance their fuel cell and hydrogen related products and technologies.
TMNA’s new center, previously their R&D California office, demonstrates their commitment to promoting a hydrogen economy.
The workspace at the new headquarters has been redesigned to accommodate teams working on numerous facets of the hydrogen business cycle, from research and development to commercialization planning and sales. There are plans to expand the H2HQ with features such as a flexible microgrid, sustainable customer education center and more.
Ted Ogawa, president and CEO of TMNA, stated that Toyota has been developing hydrogen fuel cell electric solutions for over three decades and will continue to work on this scalable, zero-emission technology. Rebranding the facility to align with its hydrogen focus represents Toyota’s leadership in fuel cell development and their drive to lower carbon emissions.
In light of these advancements, Toyota Motor Corporation consolidated its hydrogen business in Japan by creating the “Hydrogen Factory.” This initiative aimed to bring all hydrogen-related work under one roof, fast-tracking the development and production of fuel cell or hydrogen-related products. Toyota Motor Europe followed suit, setting up their own “Hydrogen Factory” to stimulate growth in the hydrogen business and infrastructure throughout Europe.
Toyota intends for the H2HQ to steer North American-led hydrogen initiatives and support the integration of global hydrogen-related technologies and products. These may involve applications such as light-duty fuel cell, heavy-duty fuel cell, stationary fuel cell power generation, and port vehicle applications.
Josh Newman, California State Senator, District 29, praised Toyota’s decision and expressed excitement about it driving California toward a clean-energy economy. He affirmed that these initiatives will help reduce carbon emissions, foster environmental stewardhip and reinstate California’s leadership in the sector.
The new headquarters will also include a sustainable education center, available for tours by reservation. This center will enlighten the audience about Toyota’s vision of sustainability and the part hydrogen will play.
Toyota’s experience with fuel cell technology spans more than 30 years and stretches beyond creating fuel-cell electric vehicles to scaling such technology for a variety of beneficial applications. The function of the Gardena office throughout this period has been instrumental in fostering fuel cell electric projects.
