Technology/Autonomous Vehicles

Toyota Offers Its Hydrogen Fuel Cell Patents For Free

by Frédérick Boucher-Gaulin
Toyota Mirai
Photo: Toyota

Toyota recently unveiled the Mirai, a singularly styled sedan that relies on a hydrogen fuel cell for power. Hydrogen is going to be a pretty big fuel source in the coming years; not only will it eventually cost less than petroleum distillates, it also has huge environmental benefits: instead of spewing toxic fumes, the only exhaust from a hydrogen vehicle is water.

According to the manufacturer, the upcoming five years will be crucial for this power source, and everyone will have to work together for it to work properly. The Japanese giant took a huge step forward in this direction: every patent they have concerning the Mirai, the hydrogen fuel cell and the related technologies will be available for use by other companies, royalty-free. More than 5,680 patents are available. This is the first time Toyota has used this strategy, and they have one important requirement: if anybody uses their technology, they have to offer Toyota any related tech they develop for free.

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