Japan carmakers, gas firms join forces to build hydrogen stations

A consortium of 11 companies including Tokyo Gas and carmakers Toyota, Nissan, and Honda is considering creating a company that will stimulate the construction of hydrogen filling stations and boost sales of fuel cell vehicles (FCV), reports The Japan Times.

The move is to meet the Japanese government's plan to build 160 hydrogen stations and 40,000 FCV by 2020.

Currently, there are 98 hydrogen stations and only 1,800 FCVs sold in the country, a challenge brought about by high production costs.

In the future, the consortium may consider participation of other companies in this initiative.