Sr5 Package, Green, Rwd V4 2.4l 5 Speed Manual, Xtra Cab, Matching Topper on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Japan's government gives hydrogen vehicles a big boost

The Japanese government is really paving the way for hydrogen fuel cell technology on its roads. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry is changing regulations on fuel tanks to make hydrogen cars more appealing to drivers, which should help put the country ahead of others in the race to develop a viable H2 fleet. Japan is raising the allowed pressure of hydrogen tanks from 700 atmospheres to 875, which has the effect of increasing driving range by 20 percent. This move puts the country in line with others with high-pressure fueling regulations. Japan is also in talks with the United Nations and the European Union to streamline inspection rules to make it easier to export Japan's fuel-cell vehicles. Toyota premiered its hydrogen-powered FCV Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last year and plans to release a production version as early as next year. Honda also plans to build its own fuel-cell cars for 2015, and it debuted its FCEV Concept at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show. Nissan is sending mixed messages on hydrogen, both questioning the availability of a refueling infrastructure and working on developing the vehicles. In Japan, a relatively small country, increasing the range of fuel-cell vehicles makes creating a usable infrastructure a bit less daunting. Will hydrogen-fueled electric cars see the same sort of success as Toyota's Prius hybrid or battery-powered EVs? Only time will tell, but we can keep our fingers crossed that it will, and that the popularity spills over beyond Asia. Featured Gallery Toyota FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) Hydrogen Concept View 24 Photos News Source: Nikkei via Green Car Reports Government/Legal Green Honda Toyota Hydrogen Cars charging station infrastructure fcev fcv

BMW i5 returns as next rumored i Project vehicle

Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle enthusiasts may want to give each other some high-fives when they hear the latest news about BMW's reputed i5. The German automaker has been rumored to be on the verge of expanding its i brand beyond its i3 battery-electric and i8 plug-in hybrid cars for a long while. The latest rumors say that BMW could be working on a hydrogen-powered i5 crossover. BMW is in the "final stages of consideration" of expanding the sub-brand, Bloomberg News says, citing comments BMW executive Ian Robertson made this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. There may be more light-weighting efforts, and an alternative powertrain is sure to be in order, but there are few details beyond that. BMW of North America spokeswoman Rebecca Kiehne declined to comment to AutoblogGreen. Since 2013, BMW has worked with Toyota on hydrogen fuel-cell drivetrains and might further expand that relationship, MarketWatch says, citing BMW financial chief Friedrich Eichiner. The two automakers have already worked together on a prototype BMW 5 Series sedan with a hydrogen-powered engine. That car was unveiled this summer. Earlier this year, we heard reports about an i5 that would actually be a hybrid-electric vehicle of sorts, and an extremely powerful one. That rumored vehicle – again some sort of modified 5 Series – would actually contain one gas-powered engine and two electric motors, all combining for more than 540 horsepower. If these latest rumors turn out to be true, they would mark a change in things, but we won't be surprise if we hear yet another version of what the i5 will be before it's all said and done.

Polestar 3 and 5 updates, and a compact Toyota pickup? | Autoblog Podcast #733

In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder. First, they discuss the news, including the possibility of a compact Toyota pickup, new details about the Polestar 3 and Polestar 5, whether Tesla needs a PR department and fresh info about the 2023 Honda HR-V. They also review the GMC Sierra, Kia EV6, Hyundai Kona Electric and Buick Enclave Avenir. Next, Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski reports from the ground at the first drive of the Ford Bronco Raptor, and Multimedia Producer Erik Maier joins in to talk about Autoblog's Father's Day gift guide and other deals. Send us your questions for the Mailbag and Spend My Money at: Podcast@Autoblog.com. Autoblog Podcast #733 Get The Podcast Apple Podcasts – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes Spotify – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast on Spotify RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Toyota looking hard at compact pickup market Polestar 3 shows itself and looks good Polestar 5 electric sedan outed in EU patent images (and now we have spy shots) Does Tesla need a PR department? (via Automotive News) 2023 Honda HR-V pricing and specs revealed Cars we're driving: 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate 2022 Kia EV6 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir Dispatch: 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Father's Day gift ideas straight from the Autoblog staff Five excellent Father's Day deals for dads Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts Autoblog is now live on your smart speakers and voice assistants with the audio Autoblog Daily Digest. Say “Hey Google, play the news from Autoblog” or "Alexa, open Autoblog" to get your favorite car website in audio form every day. A narrator will take you through the biggest stories or break down one of our comprehensive test drives. Related video: