Many automakers believe fuel cells represent the long-term future for powering cars, as evidenced by the high number of fuel-cell vehicles in testing. Honda and General Motors even have models available for consumers to drive on a limited basis.

Now Toyota has announced that it will begin consumer testing of its latest-generation fuel-cell vehicle, the FCHV, based on the original Highlander.

We had a chance to drive the same Toyota FCHV advance fuel-cell vehicle around Portland, Ore., recently. It was one of the last fuel-cell cars from a major automaker that we hadn’t driven. Like other fuel-cell vehicles, we found the experience seamless—eerily quiet, quick, and responsive.

The latest version of the FCHV uses 10,000 psi hydrogen storage tanks that hold 6 kilograms of hydrogen. According to Toyota, that gives it a range of 432 miles at the equivalent of about 72 miles per gallon. It makes 122 horsepower, which doesn’t sound like much, but felt like plenty around town. Like other fuel-cell vehicles today, the FCHV also uses a battery to provide short bursts of added power. (Thus the Fuel-Cell Hybrid Vehicle moniker.) The FCHV uses nickel-metal hydride batteries.

It’s often been said that extreme temperature ranges are an engineering challenge for fuel-cell vehicles; Toyota claims this Highlander can be started at temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit.

Arguably, the biggest problem with fuel cell vehicles is where to get the hydrogen to refill them. That didn’t stop Toyota and Road & Track magazine from driving this particular fuel-cell vehicle down the Alaska Highway from Fairbanks to Vancouver, British Columbia. The key to the trip? A diesel-powered semi truck filled with hydrogen followed them all the way down. (For the record, those companies say the cost of the demonstration drive, including the semi truck and all the rest of the entourage was offset by purchasing carbon credits. Whatever.)

Just as we had seen at our own Future of the Car event, fuel-cell vehicles are maturing, and it is becoming easier envisioning them moving from high-tech novelty status to true consumer products.

—Eric Evarts