Toyota looks beyond 2010 Prius at cheaper hydrogen cars in 2015

Hydrogen cars are a worthwhile pursuit because they power vehicles with a chemical reaction that only produces water vapor. So why haven’t manufacturers like Toyota, GM and Honda started to sell a hydrogen car to the masses already?

They’re too expensive, specifically because of the amount of platinum required to make things work. Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius or PHEV vehicles like the Chevy Volt are cheaper to build because the materials are more readily available.

Still, Toyota plans to overcome this costing challenge by 2015 and then plans to begin selling a hydrogen sedan for $50,000. That’s still pricey for many people but if the business climate is at all similar to what’s happening now there’s a good chance for some tax credits to assist.

High purchase price notwithstanding, hydrogen cars also are capable of traveling longer distances than battery vehicles, but don’t expect any hydrogen fuel stations to pop up anytime soon. That provides a challenge similar to what electric-only cars are facing now with slower charge times at standard outlets and infrequent charging stations. Jay Whitacre from Carnegie Mellon University told Bloomberg:

On a cost basis per car, range and performance, fuel-cell vehicles can have an advantage over battery vehicles. On a system basis, infrastructure, battery cars win.

Toyota has experienced a series of setbacks with its polished brand identity as recent recalls are encouraging consumers to think of other brands more seriously when it’s time to buy a car. Some positive buzz from an upcoming hydrogen car could certainly do some good from a positive buzz perspective.

The company’s strong interest in hydrogen cars is relatively recent as its prior focus centered on hybrid car technology like that used in the 2010 Prius. GM previously was the leader in researching hydrogen cars but its investment has slackened as it is now focusing on the Chevy Volt.