Al-Futtaim, the official distributor of ‘Toyota’ and ‘Lexus’ in the UAE, and Toyota Motor Corporation have decided to test the effects of the fuel cell technology on the local environment and the sustainability of the “hydrogen society” in this part of the world. For this purpose, they have also joined hands with Air Liquide to develop hydrogen fuel stations and test H2 powered Fuel Cell Toyota Mirai vehicles.
The fuel cell technology is considered as the primary source of clean energy that can be used to power modern cars. This technology combines oxygen from the air and hydrogen from the fuel, creating energy and water in the process. It is now being realized as the fuel of the upcoming generation of cars.
UAE aims to create an exemplary state sustained on clean energy by the year 2050. Len Hunt, President Automotive Group at Al-Futtaim, explained how this decision on behalf of Al-Futtaim takes UAE closer to their envisioned future. It makes UAE the pioneer of adopting green technologies that yield zero emissions and are 100% environment-friendly.
Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology has already been tested in China, Japan and some US markets. It is the next best thing to happen in the UAE following the launch of hybrid cars.
The only barrier to the widespread adoption of the fuel cell technology lies in the scarcity of Hydrogen fuel pumps. Air Liquide has currently undertaken the responsibility of setting up the first hydrogen fueling station in Dubai.
Fuel cells will not only address the concerns of pollution in the UAE, but will also help in reducing the carbon footprints in the region.