Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda are reportedly holding talks to expand their technology partnership to fuel cell vehicles. According to two unnamed sources cited by Reuters, Toyota is considering providing fuel cell and plug-in hybrid technology to Mazda.
In return, the Hiroshima-based automaker is considering offering Toyota fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel engine technology from its Skyactiv series. The two companies already have a technology and production partnership, with Mazda supplying Toyota’s subsidiary Scion with the Mazda2 subcompact sedan in North America, where it is marketed as the Scion iA.
The sources also said Mazda has been trying to develop fuel cell vehicles on its own, but it decided to team up with Toyota, which builds the Mirai mass-market fuel-cell car. Toyota is betting on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as it believes they offer the most promising zero-emission alternative to conventional cars since they have a similar driving range and refueling time.
Toyota has already announced it is willing to share of some of its fuel cell technology patents for free, as it hopes that would speed up the development of the infrastructure.
According to the Nikkei business daily, the two Japanese companies aim to reach an agreement on the partnership soon. However, Toyota and Mazda officials said nothing has been decided.
Note: 2016 Toyota Mirai pictured
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