Are hydrogen-powered cars viable? Toyota’s view (2018)

A better question might be, "Why does Toyota need hydrogen powered cars to be viable"?

Answer: To sustain Japan's auto economy which is built around and based on the internal combustion engine which can be easily adapted to run on hydrogen.

In other words, they are way behind in the transition to electric vehicles and they now realize it will happen with or without them --- more likely without. Most of the other major auto makers are well ahead of them.

Even if they make the transition, their economy will likely take a substantial hit from EVs simply due to the fact that EVs are mechnically less complex. All the technology and expense centers around the battery which thay are not geared up to make.

I feel for them. I have always been a fan. I own one of their vehicles now. But focusing on politics instead of technology will only make the situation worse in the long run. EVs are happening whether Toyota likes it or not.

If Toyota really thinks hdrogen is a viable alternative, all I can say is good luck with that. It will be a lonely and treacherous journey. One breakthrough in terms of battery cost and capacity will likely wipe them out. And lots of research is being directed toward this.