Toyota to start testing fuel cell vehicles in UAE

Toyota Motor stated it would start evaluating its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) in the United Arab Emirates as the Japanese car manufacturer checks out the potential for the zero-emissions fuel innovation in hot, dry conditions.

Toyota will partner with Abu Dhabi green energy company Masdar, Abu Dhabi National Oil and French company Air Liquide SA to analyze prospects for hydrogen production, logistics and organisation feasibility.

As part of the task Toyota will perform driving and refueling tests utilizing its Mirai FCV, which it released in late 2015 as part of its objective to promote what it calls a “hydrogen society”, where the zero-emission fuel would power houses and automobiles.

“As the (UAE) federal government continues to promote new efforts and pursues the production of a hydrogen-based society, the UAE has the ability to become the world leader of next-generation clean energies,” Toyota Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada stated.

Toyota has promoted fuel cell vehicles as the most practical next-generation alternative to petrol-electric hybrids, however an absence of hydrogen fueling stations presents a significant obstacle for mass usage.