Toyota is allowing a battery-supply deal with Tesla Motors to expire in 2014 in order to focus on developing next-generation technology that rivals Tesla’s battery-powered electric vehicle. The decision to end its Tesla deal shows a shift away from batteries towards fuel cells. Even before ending the 4-year deal with Tesla, the Japanese auto manufacturer has been sending increasingly obvious signals that it sees the future of zero-emission technology in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The reason: Fuel cell electric vehicles, also known as hydrogen vehicles, offer a significantly greater range and are ready to drive without charging. Like conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, FCEVs simply fuel up at a filling station. But there’s an important difference. The fuel is hydrogen and the fuel cell (which creates electricity from a reaction between hydrogen and the oxygen in air) powers the vehicle without creating any emissions, except a little water.

Consumers who enjoy the convenience of fueling their cars in minutes, rather than recharging them for hours, are proving to be a promising market for car companies. Toyota, Honda and Hyundai all have plans to start releasing FCEVs in 2014‒2015. What’s more, federal and state mandates and incentives for hydrogen infrastructure and zero-emissions vehicles are fostering development for the roll-out of hydrogen fueling stations in key markets. As the shift towards automotive hydrogen use continues, Nuvera continues to provide breakthrough technology solutions in fuel cell engines and hydrogen fueling station engineering, design and production.

Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota, highlights long term vision of the future as solidly rooted in FCEVs. Read More and Watch Video.