Toyota right now introduced that it’s turning its R&D workplace in Los Angeles into its new North American hydrogen headquarters.
Toyota’s North American hydrogen headquarters
Toyota announces the establishment of H2HQ, a dedicated hub to drive its North America-led hydrogen initiatives, fostering local development of innovative technologies and products worldwide. The technology can accommodate both light-duty and heavy-duty gasoline cell applications, as well as stationary fuel cell power generation and portable vehicle uses.
As the President and CEO of Toyota Motor North America, Ted Ogawa stated, “Our renaming of this facility as the North American hydrogen headquarters underscores our commitment to improving fuel cells, bringing innovative products to market that can help reduce carbon emissions on a global scale.”
The LA R&D heart performed a big half in launching the light-duty gasoline cell automobile Mirai in 2015. The facility features Toyota’s largest dynamometer, boasting a 1.2-megawatt capacity, and is equipped with a versatile test bench designed for stationary applications. Furthermore, the site already includes a hydrogen refueling station catering to both light- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Toyota is building a self-sufficient microgrid at its H2 HQ facility, capable of operating independently from the main grid. The microgrid comprises 230 kW of photovoltaic power, a 1 MW stationary proton exchange membrane fuel cell generator, 325 kW solid oxide fuel cell, and a 500 kWh battery energy storage system. By 2026, it is forecasted that the system will be operational in an online capacity.
Electrek’s Take
I get Toyota eager to do R&D on heavy-duty gasoline cell purposes, stationery gasoline cell energy era, and port automobile purposes. Microgrid R&D can also be intriguing.
However hydrogen light-duty automobiles, nope. It seems like an inefficient allocation of resources, ultimately yielding little value.
While hydrogen fueling stations currently rely on methane for approximately 95% of their supply, it’s crucial to note the environmental implications of this process.
If gasoline-cell automobiles were to run on high-purity hydrogen, they would undoubtedly be significantly cleaner. While residential solar installations allow for effortless electric vehicle (EV) charging, the same convenience doesn’t extend to hydrogen electrolysis units, which can’t be installed in household storage spaces.
While hydrogen stations remain scarce, California stands out as the sole US state boasting a notable network of retail hydrogen refueling outlets. You can safely disregard road travel options.
As developments unfold at H2HQ, my curiosity piqued, I’ll remain vigilant in monitoring its endeavors.
Toyota plans to invest approximately $1.3 billion in its Kentucky-based manufacturing facility to produce electric vehicles (EVs).
