Toyota’s strategy for achieving carbon neutrality entails creating and providing a range of technology to assist consumers on their unique zero-emission trips.
Toyota is adamant that it is premature to concentrate on a single zero-emissions solution, therefore it is simultaneously developing technology for hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen combustion engines, and battery electric vehicles.
Motorsport for the development of the hydrogen combustion engine
This year, Toyota entered a GR Corolla H2 with a hydrogen combustion engine in all super taikyu endurance races in Japan with the Rookie Racing squad. At this time, Toyota President Akio Toyoda participated in all races as master driver “Morizo” to assess and aid in the development of the vehicle.
A hydrogen-powered Toyota vehicle made its first appearance outside of Japan in August when the GR Yaris H2 was tested during a demonstration at the World Rally (WRC) in Ypres, Belgium.
This consistent and demanding motorsport activity has sped up research and development and technological advancement. For instance, Toyota was able to improve the hydrogen combustion engine’s power by 24% and torque by 33% over the course of a Season of the Super Taikyu, producing an improvement in dynamic performance on par with a regular gasoline engine. Additionally, the autonomy was increased by nearly 30%, and recharging took only 1.5 minutes instead of the usual 5 minutes. In addition to using hydrogen, Toyota is collaborating closely with numerous stakeholders on green hydrogen production and transportation in the testing phase with the demanding conditions of motorsport, fostering a wide range of relationships beyond industry boundaries to aid in the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
Concept Corolla Cross H2 features a hydrogen-powered engine
The Corolla Cross H2 Concept was developed by Toyota engineers with the confidence that came from technological advancement.
By adding Mirai’s hydrogen tank accommodation know-how to the GR Corolla’s 1.6L Turbo 3-cylinder engine and high-pressure hydrogen direct injection technology, Toyota was able to build a Corolla Cross H2 hydrogen prototype that can accommodate 5 passengers and their luggage. Along with the computer model’s development, this idea is also being tested in the actual world, and winter testing will shortly start in northern Japan.
The ability to utilize current internal combustion engine technologies, quick refueling times and a definite decrease in the use and need of specific raw materials and “rare earth” like lithium and nickel are the main benefits of hydrogen combustion. The hydrogen combustion engine can more quickly bring about widespread and cost-effective carbon reduction solutions by adapting existing technologies and better leveraging existing investments.
