UNDERSCORING its multi-pathway approach to decarbonization, Toyota Motor Philippines last week TMP presented the hydrogen-fueled Corolla Cross H2 Concept developed by Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) in Japan as part of its ‘Beyond Zero” campaign.
This Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (HICEV) utilizes hydrogen gas supplied by a local producer and filled through a Hydrogen Refueling Station (HRS) imported from Malaysia.
TMP emphasized the potential of diversifying energy resources to develop related industries and complement the decarbonization goals of various sectors, including transportation. With Toyota’s wide array of xEV powertrain technologies, hydrogen has the potential to be one of the advanced alternative energy sources that presents the possibility of zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Beyond its commitment to decarbonize the entire vehicle life cycle, TMP stated it is also diversifying sustainable mobility with xEV usership services and exploring the benefits of data solutions and connected technology for travel or logistic efficiency resulting in CO2 reduction.
Toyota’s journey towards a commercially viable hydrogen-powered vehicle has been a long and winding road, paved with the grit and determination of its Gazoo Racing division. This motorsport arm of Toyota, known for pushing the limits of performance and technology, has been instrumental in developing hydrogen combustion technology through rigorous real-world testing.
Akio Toyoda, a.k.a. Morizo (his racing suited altergo), Toyota’s president and a passionate race car driver himself, believed in the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source. Under his leadership, Gazoo Racing embarked on an ambitious campaign to prove the viability of hydrogen in motorsports.
The initial foray involved a hydrogen-powered Corolla Sport, entered into the grueling Super Taikyu Series in Japan back in 2021. This provided invaluable data and experience, allowing engineers to understand the nuances of hydrogen combustion in a high-performance environment. The learnings were quickly applied to the development of a hydrogen-powered GR Corolla H2, which took on the challenge of endurance racing, including the demanding 24 Hours of Fuji in 2022 and 2023. These races pushed the hydrogen engine to its limits, revealing its durability and potential for extended use.
But the pursuit of hydrogen technology wasn’t confined to Japan.
Gazoo Racing took their hydrogen-powered cars to circuits in Europe, demonstrating their commitment on a global stage and proving the adaptability of the technology to different environments.
Through these relentless racing efforts, Gazoo Racing gathered crucial data, refined engine performance, and improved the overall efficiency of hydrogen combustion. This accumulated knowledge and technological advancement has now culminated in the Corolla Cross H2 Concept, a vehicle that signifies a major step towards the commercialization of hydrogen-powered cars.
This transition from racetrack to road represents a significant milestone in Toyota’s pursuit of sustainable mobility solutions, and it underscores the crucial role that motorsport plays in driving innovation and shaping the future of the automotive industry.
