What’s the next logical step for the world’s number one producer of hybrid electric vehicles? Start producing a line of full plug-in

2013 Toyota FCV Concept (Photo: Toyota)

electrics? Maybe. And while we can’t report that Toyota doesn’t have such plans in its upcoming product launch program, we’re certain a hydrogen-powered electric will soon be on the way.

According to Japan Times, production of that all-new model will commence in mid-December of this year, with the first models arriving in home-market Toyota showrooms in the first quarter of 2015. This of course follows Toyota’s promise that we’d see a production fuel cell car in 2015, but most didn’t expect the new fuel cell vehicle until later in the year.

According to the report, production will be very low compared to its mainstream models (Prius models included), with mere “dozens” of vehicles per month rolling down the line. The new model’s expected price might have something to do with its low sales, the publication expecting its MSRP to “likely” be eight million yen, or $85,000 Canadian.

As

2013 Toyota FCV Concept (Photo: Toyota)

with all new technologies, early adopters will pay more. Remember the price of the plug-in electric Tesla roadster? The newer Model S is much less expensive, and on top of this let’s consider how much better it is than the two-seater it replaced. Such early adopters will pay considerably for the privilege of being the first on the block (or for that matter their entire city) to own something totally unique, and Toyota being Toyota, these cars will quickly become more affordable.

The challenge Toyota will face selling any new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle outside of specific areas within its home market is the availability of refueling stations. There is no widespread hydrogen-refueling infrastructure built yet, so sales will only be made where a hydrogen-refueling framework has been created. In time, however, with companies such as Toyota pushing the agenda thanks to ever-tighter restrictions on gasoline-powered cars, pockets of hydrogen-refueling stations will take root and fuel cell cars will become more readily available for more attainable prices.
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