They first announced that they’d build the FCV-R, a hydrogen-powered vehicle, by 2020. Now, Toyota is telling everyone through its U.S. CEO, Jim Lentz, that they’re up to build a hydrogen car by 2015 – just impressive. The announcement has been made at a management briefing seminar of the Center for Automotive Research.
Toyota’s FCV-R concept will be a sedan 9″ longer than the Prius and 2″ shorter than the Camry, having a total length of 185 inches. Its competitor, the Honda FCX Clarity, has only been leased so far, without the customers having the possibility of actually owning the car (just like GM did to the EV1). The FCV-R will be available for sale.
The upcoming electric RAV4 will be using Tesla Motors’ electric motor, and so will probably the FCV-R. The fuel cells, on the other hand, will be the result of a cooperation with BMW, as part of a larger project involving electric powertrains and lightweight materials.
[via motortrend]
