Toyota’s hydrogen powered car was showcased at the Paris Motor Show this year, announcing to the world of their new fuel-cell vehicle (FVC). This new vehicle is “powered by electricity, created by the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, leaving water vapor as the only tailpipe emission” (Hotten). Despite the eco-friendly aspect of the Toyota sedan vehicle, critics have commented on hydrogen re-filling problems.

I believe that Toyota’s FVC is an excellent innovation by demonstrating the possibility of minimizing a car’s carbon footprint. However, this innovation is also in direct competition with the flourishing popularity of electric cars. Consumers, who are not readily accepting with this relatively new market, are slowly trying to adapt to the concept of driving hybrid vehicles and fully electric vehicles such as Tesla MS. Thus, the Toyota FVC will face low consumer rates being uncertain with the idea of a hydrogen powered car. Another problem is the limited hydrogen refueling stations, which will affect the number of consumers willing to by the Toyota FVC. For example, Toyota announces that there will be “15 publicly accessible stations by the end of 2015” (Hotten). Evidently, the lack of fueling stations limiting transportation will greatly impact this hydrogen powered car market, minimizing Toyota’s profit gains.

Cite: Hotten, Russel. BBC News. 2 October 2014. 4 October 2014.