Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) announced Wednesday the successful establishment of its hydrogen headquarters in the United States. It demonstrates the Japanese legacy automaker’s heavy commitment to fuel cell technology.
The new H2HQ
According to the press release, Toyota turned its existing R&D California office in Los Angeles into its new North American Hydrogen Headquarters (H2HQ).
Toyota reorganized the workspace at the new H2HQ from R&D to commercialization planning and sales of hydrogen-based products.
Toyota believes the move will propel its hydrogen push in the North American market. It also expects the new facility to aid the localization of global hydrogen-related technologies and products, including the following:
- light-duty and heavy-duty fuel cell applications
- stationary fuel cell power generation
- port vehicle applications
“Toyota has developed hydrogen fuel cell electric solutions for more than three decades, and we will continue to advance this scalable, zero-emission technology as part of our electrified portfolio. Renaming this facility as North American Hydrogen Headquarters represents our leadership in fuel cell development creating real-world products to help reduce carbon emissions.”
Ted Ogawa, TMNA President/CEO
Toyota plans off-grid operation at the new H2HQ
Toyota has already started the construction of the flexible microgrid to enable the new facility to operate off-grid. It will include the following energy sources:
- 230 kW of solar
- 1 MW stationary proton exchange membrane fuel cell generator
- 325 kW solid oxide fuel cell
- a 500 kWh battery storage system
Toyota expects the system to come online as early as 2026.
Commitment to fuel cell hydrogen
Toyota revamped its hydrogen business in its home turf in 2023. It introduced the “Hydrogen Factory” to help consolidate all hydrogen-related work in a single location. The company believes the move can speed up the product development and production.
Its European unit also launched its own Hydrogen Factory to expand the hydrogen business. It aims to accelerate the establishment of hydrogen ecosystems and infrastructures across the region.
Now, the Japanese legacy automaker has set its eyes on North America for its intensified hydrogen push.
Looking forward, Toyota plans to equip its new H2HQ with various relevant facilities, including a sustainable education center. It will be available for tours by reservation, as per the company.
