Automakers are taking a close look at hydrogen power – and not just for passenger cars. Mercedes just revealed a Sprinter van prototype with a fuel cell, and now Toyota‘s revealed something much, much larger that also aims to harness the lightest element on the periodic table.
It’s called the Energy Observer, and it’s billed as the world first hydrogen-powered ship. The catamaran measures over 100 feet long, 42 feet wide, and displaces 28 metric tons.
The Energy Observer launched in France last year on a six-year mission to test propulsion from renewable sources. With support from Toyota Motor Europe, it aims to complete the first circumnavigation of the globe on hydrogen power. It’s currently in the Mediterranean, will heading for Northern Europe next year, and aims to arrive in Tokyo in time for the Olympics in 2020.
“We are really excited to have Toyota Motor Europe on-board for this mission,” said Victorien Erussard, captain of the Energy Observer. “We share the vision of hydrogen as the key for accelerating the energy transition, a vision that we wish to carry to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.”
“Energy Observer is an exciting initiative and we at Toyota Motor Europe are delighted to be associated with such a passionate and dedicated team,” added Toyota’s Matt Harrison. “This project once again demonstrates the many practical uses of hydrogen that can be developed as we transition towards a Hydrogen Society.”
Toyota is one of several automakers experimenting with hydrogen power. In addition to the Mirai fuel-cell vehicle, it’s working on buses, trucks, and even forklifts using the renewable power source.
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