Toyota: Committed to hydrogen cars despite potential 'game changer' EV battery
Toyota Motor Corp. Executive Vice President Didier Leroy presents the company's Concept-i series during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp said its solid-state battery technology under development could be a "game changer" for electric vehicles, but that does not mean it is moving away from hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles.
Having long touted fuel-cell vehicles and plug-in hybrids as the most sensible technologies to make cars greener, Japan's top-selling automaker surprised industry watchers last year with plans to add full-sized electric vehicles (EVs) to its line-up.
Toyota Motor displays TJ Cruiser during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
In doing so, it joins a rush of global automakers scrambling to develop more EVs, in large part due to China's push to promote the technology as a way to reduce pollution in the world's biggest car market.
"We believe our solid-state battery technology can be a game changer with the potential to dramatically improve driving range," Executive Vice President Didier Leroy said at the Tokyo Motor Show, which opened to media on Wednesday.
Toyota plans to roll out a new electric vehicle in the early 2020s powered by solid-state batteries, which also promise to reduce the long charging times currently required.
Toyota Motor Corp. Executive Vice President Didier Leroy presents the company's Concept-i series as a screen shows the company's President Akio Toyoda during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Although China has heavily promoted electric cars, Japan has outlined plans to pioneer a hydrogen-fueled society.
Leroy noted that Toyota was introducing two new fuel-cell vehicles at the motor show, including the six-seater "Fine-Comfort Ride" concept car, with a cruising range of about 1,000 km (620 miles).
A production version of the second model, the "Sora" fuel-cell bus, will be launched next year, with more than 100 expected to be sold, mainly in Tokyo, ahead of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in the city.
Toyota Motor Corp. displays the company's racing car during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
(Reporting by Naomi Tajitsu; Writing by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
Toyota Motor displays Wonder-Capsule Concept during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-HoonToyota Motor Corp. displays the company's Concept-i Ride series during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-HoonToyota Motor displays TJ Cruiser during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-HoonToyota Motor Corp. Executive Vice President Didier Leroy presents the company's Concept-i series during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Toru HanaiLogo of the Toyota Motor GAZOO Racing is displayed during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-HoonToyota Motor GAZOO Racing HV Sports concept is displayed during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-HoonToyota Motor Corp. displays the company's Fine Comfort Ride during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-HoonToyota Motor Corp. displays the company's Concept-i Ride series during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-HoonToyota Motor Corp. displays the company's Concept-i Ride during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-HoonToyota Motor Corp. unveils the company's Concept-i Ride (L) and Concept-i Walk during media preview of the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
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