MOST INNOVATIVE
COMPANIES 2015
18.
Toyota
FOR LEADING THE WAY IN FUEL-CELL
TECHNOLOGY.
Toyota
plans to do for fuel cells what its Prius did for hybrids: make them ubiquitous
and top of mind for environmentally conscious consumers. The automaker is
gearing up to introduce its hydrogen-powered sedans in California, Japan, and
Europe early next year, banking that an attractive exterior and sporty design
will create a market for cars that emit only water vapor. The Mirai will cost
$57,000, with 3,000 to be produced for California buyers. Toyota has opened up
its fuel-cell patent to the public and invested millions of dollars in helping
to develop an infrastructure of hydrogen-refueling stations in California, New
York, and New England, a bold move given skepticism over whether fuel cells can
perform as well in colder climates.
But
Toyota is used to gambling on alternative powertrains. The Prius, which debuted
in Japan in 1997, didn’t become profitable until after the 2004 release of its
second-generation model. Like the Prius, which uses an advanced convertor to
generate more voltage for the electric motor, the Mirai also has a boost
converter that raises output while cutting weight and cost. The fuel-cell
vehicle also comes with an optional external power device that can power a home
for up to a week in case of an emergency. "In 10 years, to be honest with
you, the car you are going to drive may look very similar to what you are
driving today, on the outside," says Osamu "Simon" Nagata, CEO
of Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing. Inside, it’s a different story.
BY JACLYN TROPhttp://www.fastcompany.com/3039614/most-innovative-companies-2015/
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