Usually when an automotive company is developing a new technology, the best way to know its effectiveness is to go racing with the technology. Continuing the tradition, Toyota has announced that it will enter a Corolla equipped with a developmental hydrogen-powered engine at the five-hour-long Super Taikyu Race in Autopolis, takes place on 31st July to 1st August, 2021. The hydrogen engine is being developed as part of Toyota’s efforts to realize a carbon-neutral mobility society.
The vehicle will be entered under the ORC ROOKIE Racing banner as the previous round but with a special appearance of Toyota President Akio Toyoda to participate in the race as the driver Morizo. The hydrogen-powered vehicle uses green hydrogen produced locally in Kyushu thanks to Toyota hydrogen-centered partnerships it enjoys with other industries in Kyushu.
Kyushu has a high proportion of renewable energy usage, and extensive research into hydrogen is carried out in this region; indeed, Toyota Motor Kyushu is also a proactive user of hydrogen energy. Through its development of a hydrogen engine, Toyota hopes to establish new partnerships and regional collaborations with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality and a hydrogen society in Kyushu.
For those who didn’t aware, the hydrogen engine Corolla has actually raced for the first time at the Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hours Race, which took place at Fuji Speedway on 21st May 2021. After two or so months since the race, Toyota has implemented a number of improvements both to the car and to its related hydrogen infrastructure.
Improvements implemented over the last two or so months
Vehicle
- Abnormal combustion has been reduced, leading to improved performance (torque increased by approx. 15%)
- Responsiveness―one of the merits of using a hydrogen engine―has been further improved Infrastructure Hydrogen refueling rates have been accelerated
Infrastructure
- Hydrogen refueling rates have been accelerated (Approx. 40% improvement, from approx. 5 minutes to approx. 3 minutes). *Working time from connecting to disconnecting the hydrogen station nozzle
- Toyota now uses green hydrogen produced by FH2R as well as by Obayashi and Toyota Motor Kyushu
The hydrogen engines will represent a new era for Toyota’s efforts to realize carbon neutrality. Toyota has confirmed new cooperation was built with many affiliated companies as the automotive carmaker races the hydrogen engine car at the Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hours Race in May, and in the upcoming Super Taikyu Race in Autopolis in July and August. The company has also reaffirmed to continue to develop hydrogen engines together with the 5.5 million people in the automotive industry and various other partners.