Sumisho Air Water Co. has developed Japan's first mobile hydrogen stations for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), consisting of a high-pressure tank, a compressor and a high-pressure dispenser, mounted on a 10-tonne truck or large trailer. The stations can be moved to any location to recharge FCVs with compressed hydrogen.

Each mobile station costs approximately 50 to 60 million yen (about U.S.$420,000-500,000). Toyota Motor Corp. has decided to purchase the stations, while Nissan Motor Co. has decided to lease them. Sumisho Air Water Co. will promote sales of its units mainly among FCV manufacturers, and make them a pillar of their hydrogen business, along with the construction of permanent hydrogen stations.

Although hydrogen stations are indispensable for FCVs, only a few permanent stations are currently available in Japan. (Five are under construction in the Tokyo metropolitan area). As the operating range of FCVs is now confined to the vicinity of supply stations, the company expects its mobile hydrogen stations will help promote the greater use of FCVs.



Posted: 2003/03/11 01:16:18 PM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Energy , Global warming , Manufacturing industry , Non-manufacturing industry , Transportation