The top Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda and Nissan are collaborating with energy companies and the local government for a nationwide rollout of hydrogen filling stations for fuel cell vehicles. The joint venture is planning to launch operations in 2018 targeting establishment of 160 stations that would be functional by 2020.
Energy firms had tried to achieve this government goal but fell short of the target following which the collaboration initiated joint efforts to meet the set goals in order to meet fuel needs of some 40,000 fuel cell vehicles that would be seen on the roads by 2020.
The pairing of energy firms and automakers looks forward to enhancing hydrogen delivery efficiency for the customers and minimizing costs. The initiative worth 10 billion yen ($90.6 million) includes some of the major energy firms in Japan like Toho Gas, Air Liquide Japan, Toyota Tsus and JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy amongst others.
Members of the proposed company will solicit support from producers of fuel station equipment and accessories such as compressors for hydrogen to help them achieve the target set by the local government.
Partner energy companies are expected to operate the hydrogen filling stations rolled out by the venture. The government plans to provide subsidies instead of directly investing in the project which are expected to be heftier than most individual investments made by firms looking to build fuel stations.