Toyota Solves Hydrogen Logistics Problem with New Hydrogen Cartridge

Hydrogen is the most abundant inter-terrestrial element that we currently have. Every single substance, whether it be the laptop I’m typing on or the morning coffee you just sipped, it contains hydrogen. Now while being the fundamental element of human life, it is incredibly flammable. This means that it is easy to obtain and burns nicely.

For decades, automakers have tried to find a safe and sustainable way to run cars and other electricity needing appliances off hydrogen. The first 4 wheeled vehicle was invented by a Swiss inventor in 1807 and it used hydrogen to fuel its engine. Toyota has tried to push the Mirai, their first hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle.

On average, the cost of green hydrogen which is a safer alternative to regular hydrogen is about $61.051 per kilogram. Hydrogen is measured in kg since it is not a liquid but rather a gas. Now, this is extremely expensive and frankly, even if I got great hydrogen mileage, I still wouldn’t spend $17 for fuel. Granted, hydrogen cars get better mileage per quantum than gas cars do.

A recent press release from Toyota shows that with the help of their partner company Woven Planet, they plan to produce canister-like hydrogen cartridges that would be used to transport hydrogen. Judging from the pictures, it looks like a huge water bottle or one of those old Mac Trashcan computers.

Toyota listed some of the pros to having hydrogen in canisters. Here are a few. Probably one of the most important pros is that these canisters are swappable. So let’s say you are powering your home with hydrogen, just simply swap out the canister of hydrogen-like an AA battery almost for a new one. This is not only great for conserving natural resources, but we won’t have tons of these canisters littering our planet. Imagine if this takes off and they were not reusable. The amount of waste would be unparallel.

They also said that the cartridges are going to be pretty affordable. How affordable we don’t know but given Toyota’s track of making things priced for everyone is good enough. Now the dimensions seem to be pretty accessible. According to the article, “Prototype dimensions 400 mm (16") in length x 180 mm (7") in diameter.” It will also weigh about 11lbs.

Toyota shared a picture of an array of applications for these canisters. Whether it’s charging your phone, powering your home, motorcycle, or anything else, it seems like this canister is not going to discharge from a hose rather you just slip them into your car. Just like how in some EV racing groups, teams switch out easy-remove batteries so they can put in a new one without having to unbolt or disassemble anything.

According to the article, “The portable hydrogen cartridge prototype will be showcased at Super Taikyu Series 2022 Round 2 at Fuji SpeedWay from June 3 to 5, 2022.” We will update you with any new information concerning Toyota’s new Hydrogen canisters.

What do you think? Is this something that you see to be the foreseeable future? Would you drive a hydrogen-powered car? Let us know in the comments below.

Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun for daily Toyota news.