Deal to boost hydrogen cars

Toyota and Hyundai have signed a deal with two energy companies in Australia to help accelerate the uptake of hydrogen cars by expanding the refuelling network across the ditch.

The carmakers, from Japan and South Korea respectively, have agreed to join forces with Ampol and Pacific Energy to work together on finding ways to increase the number of hydrogen refuelling stations. 

The country currently has about six such facilities, including one each at the Australian head offices of Toyota and Hyundai, reports Hydrogen Fuel News.

It notes the two marques also have about 50 hydrogen vehicles on Australian roads at the moment as part of separate fleet trials.

It is hoped a boost to refuelling infrastructure will provide an incentive for more drivers to be interested in choosing a fuel-cell electric vehicle.

Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s head of sales and marketing says the agreement brings together four like-minded companies “that are all leading proponents of Australia’s growing hydrogen economy”.

“Both Toyota and Hyundai have fuel-cell electric vehicles in customer programmes while Ampol and Pacific Energy are heavily invested in growing sustainable energy development and distribution,” he adds in a statement. 

“This [agreement] is a vital development because hydrogen ecosystems must involve sectors uniting so they can bring together their skills, technologies and applications. 

“It’s an agreement that demonstrates a commitment to work together on further opportunities to explore and grow this vital technology… which will play a role in the transition to more renewable energy sources [for motor vehicles].”

The collaboration in Australia comes despite limited numbers of hydrogen cars being sold in the US, Japan and Europe.