Thursday, December 10, 2015
Toyota propels hydrogen fuel cells
The Japanese automaker said this week it's releasing 5,680 fuel cell patents from around the world, including technologies used on its upcoming sedan, the 2016 Mirai. The move is unusual, but not unprecedented, as Tesla similarly released its electric vehicle patents last year. The idea for Tesla, and now for Toyota, is to spur development of alternative propulsion.
Toyota's fuel cell patents will be free to use through 2020, though patents related to producing and selling hydrogen will remain open forever. Toyota said it would like companies that use its patents to share their own hydrogen patents, but won't require it.
The announcement was made at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It comes as Toyota prepares to launch the hydrogen-powered Mirai in a limited number late this year in California. The launch will be extended to the Northeastern United States next year. Toyota also has announced plans to support networks of fueling stations in each region to try to smooth consumer adoption. The Mirai has a 300-mile range on a tank of hydrogen, and it takes about five minutes to refill.
Toyota's patent giveaway seems to put it at a competitive disadvantage, or at least levels the playing field. But Lindsay notes there is very little competition right now, and without other players, hydrogen will never gain acceptance by consumers or get a viable infrastructure. By offering access to others, like suppliers, Toyota is actually supporting its own investment in hydrogen.
The announcement was made at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It comes as Toyota prepares to launch the hydrogen-powered Mirai in a limited number late this year in California. The launch will be extended to the Northeastern United States next year. Toyota also has announced plans to support networks of fueling stations in each region to try to smooth consumer adoption. The Mirai has a 300-mile range on a tank of hydrogen, and it takes about five minutes to refill.
Toyota's patent giveaway seems to put it at a competitive disadvantage, or at least levels the playing field. But Lindsay notes there is very little competition right now, and without other players, hydrogen will never gain acceptance by consumers or get a viable infrastructure. By offering access to others, like suppliers, Toyota is actually supporting its own investment in hydrogen.
