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Q1.
WHAT IS HYDROGEN?
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and can be found in almost anything.
In fact 75% of the universe’s mass is Hydrogen. It exists naturally in nearly all living things and is a colourless, odourless non toxic gas which can be stored indefinitely without energy loss.
Q3.
WHAT IS A FUEL CELL VEHICLE?
It is an electric vehicle that uses an electric motor, with electricity being produced on the spot by the fuel cell stack. A new, sustainable way to travel, hydrogen can also be supplied from renewable energy resources.
Q5.
IS THERE ANY FUTURE IN DRIVING HYDROGEN?
Yes, the age of hydrogen is here. With continuous development and engineering, hydrogen fuel cells are emerging into the mainstream. A sustainable fuel source, expect to see hydrogen energy more and more
as the network of refuelling stations is growing rapidly.
Q2.
WHERE DOES HYDROGEN COME FROM?
Most commonly, hydrogen exists naturally in water and biomass and can be extracted by electrolysis using renewable resources such as wind, solar or hydro power, which is why it offers us energy diversity and continuity.
Q4.
WHAT OTHER APPLICATIONS DOES HYDROGEN HAVE IN INDUSTRY?
Hydrogen has been produced, stored and used for power for more than 100 years. From hot air balloons, to fuelling a variety of vehicles. From creating fertilisers and even powering NASA’s rockets since the 1950s, hydrogen has many different uses. In addition to transportation Hydrogen is widely used to power factories, refrigerate warehouses and even heat homes.
Q6.
WHAT AMBITIONS DOES TOYOTA HAVE
FOR HYDROGEN?
Mirai brings the ultimate energy efficiency of the hydrogen fuel cell. But we’re not done yet, the Toyota Hydrogen Society in Europe is changing the face of transport by moving towards a hydrogen based society. From hydrogen heated homes, to the hydrogen powered Toyota Mirai, Toyota is committed to protecting our global environment for generations to come and going Beyond Zero.
HYDROGEN MYTHS BUSTED
Refuelling a hydrogen car is more difficult than a petrol car. False. The same way as you
use a petrol pump, refuel in under 5 minutes at a hydrogen station.
Fuel cell cars emit twice as much water as petrol cars.
Fuel Cell vehicles emit approximately the same amount of water vapour per mile as petrol powered cars. Hydrogen is difficult and expensive to produce.
Viewed as an industrial commodity today, Hydrogen is readily available from a variety of natural sources.
Fuel cells are expensive and will never make it mainstream. Since 2007, fuel cell prices have already halved. With increasing development, expect to see hydrogen fuel cells everywhere. Hydrogen is not safe.
False. Hydrogen tanks are made of carbon fibre and are thoroughly tested. They are just as safe as other vehicle fuels like diesel and natural gas. Hydrogen is a new fuel source. False: Hydrogen has been used in industry for many years as a source of fuel for buses, forklift trucks, boats and even rockets.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
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