The development of a hydrogen economy in London will help support the Mayor’s ambitions to secure new jobs and investment whilst at the same time reducing environmental impact in the capital.

Over the last few years the London Hydrogen Partnership has initiated over £50 million worth of hydrogen projects; attracting and rolling-out new hydrogen buses, taxis, scooters, refuelling stations and fuel cell Combined Heat and Power units to London.

Deputy Mayor, Kit Malthouse , said: “We want Toyota and the London Hydrogen Partnership to develop a roadmap for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling station roll-out. Toyota will provide invaluable insights and bring global experience to the Mayor’s innovative ‘smart’ low carbon low emission transport activities. I welcome their commitment to London’s positive economic future.”

Graham Smith, Managing Director, Toyota Motor Europe, London Office commented: “We are pleased to participate within the London Hydrogen Partnership and add our support to its ambitions to develop and enable clean, sustainable hydrogen fuel cell transport for the capital. Toyota believes this technology offers great potential for sustainable transport and will be among the first manufacturers to bring hydrogen-powered vehicles to the European market in 2015 where hydrogen supply infrastructure is in place.”

Among a handful of other mainstream vehicle manufacturers, Toyota have invested a considerable amount of time and money into fuel cell research and development, with the vision that one day hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles will play an important roll in low emission transport.

Graham Smith concluded: “It is important that all interested parties, including vehicle manufacturers and government bodies, work together to help build a lower carbon society. The London Hydrogen Partnership provides an excellent forum for this, ensuring the benefits of fuel cell electric vehicles can be appreciated and realised through co-ordinated dialogue.”

Source: london.gov.uk