Toyota has long been a leading innovator in the past decade for futuristic engine designs for sustainable alternative technologies to mitigate the climate crisis. While some automobile companies have increased their efforts to push the fully electric vehicle more broadly onto the market, others like Toyota have been spearheading hydrogen fuel developments. While Toyota has already had success with developing a hydrogen combustion engine, the company is now looking at refining their successful innovation to reach carbon neutrality goals.
H2 Corolla fueled by liquid nitrogen? Hydrogen could not be the future
Toyota currently has a broader initiative to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050. To do that, they appear to be banking strongly on their hydrogen developments. Toyota has been developing their hydrogen technology since 1992. In 2014, they introduced their fuel-cell technology to the world with their latest generation being launched in 2021. fuel-cell vehicles are predicted to be a valuable addition to the green portfolio of vehicle options, with Tesla even announcing their own hydrogen vehicle to be released as early as 2025.
In 2022, Toyota released their first racing car, the H2 Corolla, at the Japanese Super Taikyu Fuji 24h Race. The engine was fueled by zero-emission liquid hydrogen and was a success. Toyota has proved that they are leading the hydrogen revolution. The H2 Corolla took to the racing track again at this year’s Super Taikyu Fuji 24h Race event held in may.
Hydrogen technology: A fuel for the future
Hydrogen technology is one of the most futuristic innovations currently on the market. Liquid hydrogen offers several compelling benefits that make it an attractive option for an alternative fueling source for vehicles looking to go greener. One of its primary advantages is its high energy density, which means that it can store more energy in a smaller volume compared to traditional fuels. This characteristic is especially beneficial for applications requiring significant energy output, such as heavy-duty trucks and buses. Moreover, liquid hydrogen can be produced from a variety of renewable sources, allowing for a more sustainable and decentralized energy production model.
It is important to note that hydrogen as a fuel source is only as green as the energy source it is produced from. While pure hydrogen is not abundant or easy to capture, there are initiatives presently looking to source hydrogen in its pure form and not through other energy sources which could dampen its green potential. When hydrogen is used as a fuel, the only byproduct of its combustion is water vapor. This feature aligns perfectly with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce air pollution, particularly in urban areas where vehicle emissions are a major concern.
Partnering for a vision for the future
Currently, Toyota has been partnering with Japanese manufactures Shinko Industries to build the fuel tanks for their hydrogen powered cars. “We saw for ourselves Toyota’s commitment to the future of Japan — being part of that was the biggest motivation to join the project.” recounts Keiji Kawano, Deputy General Manager of Shinko Plant Service regarding the H2 Corolla.
Toyota’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability is a model other automobile companies should look towards. “As we’ve said from the outset, the future will be shaped by acting with purpose and passion. Even while the engineers were saying it couldn’t be done, they’ve managed to develop the technology in an agile way while remaining competitive and keeping an eye on what’s going on around us,” says Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda.
Japan has consistently been a hub for futurist solutions. Additional projects they are developing are the Maglev trains and continued developments in AI technology as well as robotics and mobile health services.