Toyota is already conducting road tests in Japan with five FCHV-4s, which have accumulated more than 3,000 miles. In the U.S., it has assigned three full-time engineers to support its activities with the California Fuel Cell Partnership. Two FCHV-4s will undergo rigorous testing in the U.S. to prove that Toyota's proprietary fuel cells perform adequately under American road conditions. At the same time, Toyota engineers will collect performance data on expressway travel, hill climbing and other severe situations.
In total, Toyota has seven FCHVs on U.S. and Japanese roads, more than any manufacturer. By implementing real-world testing in both countries, the company can demonstrate its commitment to FCHV development and achieve its ultimate goal of commercializing FCHVs.
