Toyota is focusing on a new idea for the future of mobility: le portable hydrogen cartridgessimilar to large batteries which promise to charge a car in seconds. This technology, which the Japanese giant will present at Japan Mobility Bizweek, aims to make refueling stops quicker than current electric cars.
Furthermore, Toyota also imagines using hydrogen to power homes and emergency devices, extending the concept of “mobility” well beyond four wheels.
How they work
Portable hydrogen cartridges are designed to provide a quick and safe way to power vehicles and home devices. Each cartridge contains compressed hydrogenwhich can be inserted and replaced quicklyas you would with a battery. Thanks to their light and compact structure, they can be easily transported and used to refuel cars or power household appliances. Toyota aims to develop an infrastructure where these cartridges can be easily distributed and refilled, integrating hydrogen into everyday life.
The peculiarity of these hydrogen cartridges is theirs versatility: Toyota plans to use them not only for cars, but also in an ecosystem that could integrate hydrogen into our daily lives, as is the case today with home parcel delivery. This technology allows you to fill up in just a few moments, unlike electric cars which require longer charging times. The project is ambitious, but the Japanese company is convinced of the sustainability of the model, especially if the hydrogen is produced with renewable energy.
Is hydrogen really a sustainable choice?
The use of hydrogen, according to Toyota, could be a valid aid in fighting climate change, thanks to the only by-product of its combustion: water. However, the debate on the sustainability of hydrogen remains open, as large-scale production and distribution present significant challenges. Toyota is not alone: other companies such as Hyundai and BMW are exploring hydrogen-based solutions, a symptom of a growing interest in alternatives to traditional batteries.