Toyota On Top in Fuel Race

Not to be outdone by rival Honda, Toyota last week announced it, too, will begin leasing a new hydrogen-powered, emissions-free fuel cell car. The FCHV-adv will be available later this year in Japan. The new car combines a hydrogen fuel cell engine with an electric motor in a hybrid format similar to its successful gasoline-electric Prius. It can go for 516 miles between hydrogen fill-ups, more than double the range of Toyota’s previous efforts to develop fuel cell cars.

As for rolling out the new vehicle overseas--such as in the eco-minded U.S.--Toyota is remaining mum. Meanwhile, Honda’s new fuel cell vehicle, the highly touted FCX Clarity, will be available for leasing in California, the only U.S. state with a hydrogen refueling infrastructure in place, within weeks.