Toyota will begin trials of its newly-developed hydrogen-electric hybrid vehicle on public roads in Australia.
The Japanese automaker has been testing hydrogen-powered vehicles in Australia since last year and now its Hiace van hits the road early 2025.
The company claims the hybrid system extends the range of the vehicle by 20% to 250km compared with when it runs on hydrogen alone, while emitting close to zero CO2.
The hybrid system also aims to alleviate some of the range concerns associated with pure hydrogen vehicles and the shortage of hydrogen refuelling stations in many countries.
Toyota Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima said, “It’s true that our customers have been struggling with not having a hydrogen station close by, as well as with the high cost of fuel. We will persevere to make a hydrogen-based society a reality.”
