Toyota's portable hydrogen cartridges resemble huge AA batteries and could eliminate long waits for electric vehicle charging.
They could also supply energy to your home.
Toyota is showcasing a series of sustainable innovations at the Japan Mobility Bizweek, highlighting its proposal for portable hydrogen cartridges. This technology, designed to provide an interchangeable energy source for next-generation fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), promises to transform how drivers manage their energy supply.
The concept of hydrogen cartridges emerged from Toyota's mobility technology subsidiary, Woven. After developing a functional prototype in 2022, they have continued to refine this idea and are now presenting lighter and more portable models. According to Toyota, these new versions of the cartridges have been created by leveraging the experience gained in miniaturizing hydrogen tanks in their vehicles.
The proposal consists of hydrogen cartridges compact enough to be carried in a backpack, similar to what a large AA battery might look like. This would allow FCEV drivers to replace their energy source when hydrogen levels are low, instead of relying on refueling stations.
Additionally, the rechargeable and renewable cartridges could have versatile applications, such as generating electricity for homes or even being used in kitchens. At the Japan Mobility Bizweek, Toyota, along with Rinnai Corporation, is showcasing a kitchen that uses this innovation. In emergency situations, it is also possible to remove the cartridge from the vehicle to power electric devices during power outages.
While this concept is still in development, Toyota envisions that these portable cartridges could offer a more accessible and convenient alternative for supplying hydrogen in residential and work environments, eliminating the need for an extensive network of pipelines.
In the current context of advancements in battery technology, as demonstrated by Renault's recent Emblème concept, the next generation of fuel cell vehicles could integrate denser batteries, allowing cars to operate with smaller hydrogen tanks and contribute to longer trips without extended charging times.
Toyota’s vision encompasses a broad use of these hydrogen cartridges, spanning from motorcycles to household appliances. The company aims to implement a system where hydrogen cartridges are delivered alongside food and other products, while used ones are collected for recharging. Currently, Toyota is seeking partnerships with various companies and startups working on technologies and devices compatible with the cartridges.
Despite the controversy surrounding hydrogen in the automotive sector, it remains a versatile energy source, capable of generating electricity through fuel cells or being used as combustion fuel. It emits only water vapor as a byproduct and could be key in achieving net-zero emissions goals if produced with renewable energy sources like solar or wind.
With the decline in global demand for electric vehicles, hydrogen is gaining relevance again, with manufacturers like Hyundai, BMW, and Honda exploring methods to make this technology commercially viable.
