Toyota and Woven Planet made a prototype of portable hydrogen "cartridge"

Even though most automakers are betting on electric cars, Toyota remains convinced that hydrogen can be a viable source of clean energy. Not only for vehicles but also in other areas. Toyota and its subsidiary, Woven Planet, made a new prototype replacement hydrogen cartridge that is easy and safe to use.

Although hydrogen fuel is practically safe for the environment, the gas is extremely explosive and this limits its range of use. A technology developed by Toyota and its subsidiary Woven Planet could change the situation radically. The main idea is that fuel cartridges can be refilled at a special facility, transported to where they are needed, and then returned for refueling. The length of the cartridge is only about 40 cm, the diameter is about 18 cm, and the weight is about 5 kg. Toyota claims that they are "portable, affordable and convenient energy that delivers hydrogen to where people live, work and play without the need for pipelines and then quickly swap and recharge".

The range of use of such cartridges is not limited to vehicles - they can be used in home energy and other areas. According to the company, the gas in one cartridge should be enough to generate enough electricity to run a typical microwave continuously for 3-4 hours. In a press release, Toyota noted that most hydrogen today comes from fossil fuels, so it's not truly green. Nevertheless, the company believes that in the future it will be possible to produce it with minimal emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere.

Toyota plans to do several tests in different locations. The company also intends to build an integrated supply chain that will speed up and simplify the production, transportation, and daily use of hydrogen. So far, Toyota is positioning cartridges as a solution for personal or home use.