[lensovet]

Toyota continues to test its FCHV (fuel-cell hybrid vehicles); I would like to see one and drive one in real-life. As I understand these cars are on lease to 2 CA state universities. Here's a quote from Toyota's press release:

Toyota Expands its Real-World Testing of Fuel Cell Hydrogen Vehicles

September 24, 2003 -- Sonoma, CA -- Toyota's commitment to gaining real-world experience for its Fuel Cell Hydrogen Vehicles (FCHV) took another step forward today when it was announced that two more vehicles would be put into action with the assistance of the University of California, Irvine and the University of California, Davis.

The FCHVs will be leased by UC Irvine's National Fuel Cell Research Center (http://www.nfcrc.uci.edu) and by UC Davis' Institute of Transportation Studies (http://its.ucdavis.edu). These will be the second Toyota fuel cell vehicles for each of the schools. Since the first wave of vehicles was announced in December 2002, the two FCHVs have logged nearly 6,000 miles.

The new FCHVs have been improved for U.S. use, including left-hand drive operation, improved braking performance and a new navigation system.

See http://www.toyota.com/about/news/environment/2003/09/24-1-fchv.html
Paul

 

[patrickg]

Even if fuel cell vehicles were cost effective and had adequate functionality there will be a considerable period of time when the brave pioneers (lab rats) who drive them spend an inordinate amount of time worrying where to fuel them. I just hope an '04 Prius will last until after that period of adjustment.

Pat

 

[leebek]

wishful thinking

Kinda makes me wish I had invested in Toyota 30 years ago.