Hydrogen as a fuel? Inside the technology Toyota is developing | Articles

Motorsports as a Testing Ground

Toyota started running a hydrogen-fueled ICE GR Corolla in the Super Taikyu endurance series in 2021. The car employs a version of the 1618cc straight-three G16E-GTS engine that you’d find in the GR Corolla.

According to a Google translation of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Japanese website, the goal for running in the series is simple:

“Run, break, fix, and become stronger … Train cars in a harsh motorsports environment.”

Koji Sato, who’s set to succeed Toyoda as Toyota’s president in April, confirmed the premise behind running its Corolla in the series. “By pushing the car to its limits, problems can be quickly identified,” Sato told the company’s Toyota Times. “We can then agilely formulate countermeasures to be ready for the next race. If you are developing technology for a simpler car, much can be done in the laboratory; however, through the Super Taikyu Series, we are conducting a major demonstration trial aimed at achieving a hydrogen society.”

Toyota Times revealed what gains they made in 2022: “This season, the hydrogen-powered Corolla increased its power output by 7%, torque by 5%, and driving range by 15%. Compared to its debut race last year [in 2021], output has improved by 24%, and the driving range has improved by 30%. Pre-ignition suppression technology has also steadily improved, with the frequency of pre-ignition during the final race being reduced to less than half of what it was during the opening race.”

The Challenges of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is incredibly abundant, and burning it results in water as the byproduct. The trick, however, is separating it from the other elements that it readily…