Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, has announced its plans to develop a manned lunar rover that will use regenerative fuel cell technology to power its exploration of the moon. The rover, which is expected to launch in the late 2020s, will be able to carry two astronauts and travel up to 10,000 kilometers on a single charge.

The rover will be based on Toyota’s existing fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology, which uses hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity and emits only water as a by-product. The rover will also feature a regenerative system that can capture and reuse the water vapor produced by the fuel cell, reducing the need for refueling and increasing the range of the vehicle.

Toyota’s lunar rover will be designed to withstand the harsh environment of the moon, which has no atmosphere, extreme temperatures, and high radiation levels. The rover will have a pressurized cabin that will allow the astronauts to operate the vehicle without wearing spacesuits. The cabin will also have windows and cameras that will provide a panoramic view of the lunar surface.

Toyota’s lunar rover project is part of a collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon. Toyota and JAXA have been working together since 2018 to study the feasibility and design of the rover. The project is also aligned with Toyota’s vision of contributing to society through mobility solutions that can benefit people and the planet.

Toyota’s president, Akio Toyoda, said in a statement that he was excited about the challenge of developing a lunar rover that can explore the unknown frontiers of the moon. He said that Toyota’s fuel cell technology, which has been proven in terrestrial applications, can offer a reliable and environmentally friendly solution for lunar mobility. He also said that Toyota hopes to inspire future generations of explorers and innovators through its lunar rover project.