Toyota Unveils Innovative Hydrogen Technology at Eneos Super Taikyu Series 2024
Key Ideas
- Toyota showcased the ORC Rookie GR Corolla H2 Concept powered by a hydrogen internal combustion engine at the Eneos Super Taikyu Series 2024.
- The GR H2 Racing Concept, Toyota's prototype entry for the Le Mans 24 Hours race in 2026, demonstrates the company's commitment to hydrogen-powered vehicles.
- Toyota's innovative system showcased at the event collects and repressurizes boil-off hydrogen gas, improving energy efficiency and potentially expanding the use of liquid hydrogen in various applications.
- The technology, initially designed for racing powertrains, could be adapted for other vehicles such as light- and heavy-duty trucks, paving the way for more energy-dense and range-efficient hydrogen-powered transportation.
Toyota made waves at the final round of the Eneos Super Taikyu Series 2024 by introducing the ORC Rookie GR Corolla H2 Concept, a hydrogen-powered model that has been a part of the series since 2021. Additionally, Toyota unveiled the GR H2 Racing Concept, a prototype entry for the Le Mans 24 Hours race in 2026, showcasing their dedication to hydrogen-fueled vehicles. At the same event, Toyota presented a prototype technology designed to enhance the sustainability of hydrogen power. The GE Corolla H2 Concept utilizes a hydrogen internal combustion engine fueled by liquid hydrogen, addressing the challenge of 'boil off' that occurs due to temperature differences. Unlike conventional systems that waste the boil-off gas, Toyota's prototype features a unique system that collects and repressurizes the hydrogen gas for use in the engine, improving overall energy efficiency. The process involves a self-pressurizer that utilizes a miniature fuel cell stack to convert the waste hydrogen into electricity, which powers the liquid hydrogen pump for repressurization, potentially supplementing the alternator's electricity. While initially intended for racing powertrains, the technology could be adapted for other vehicles like trucks, offering a more energy-dense and range-efficient solution that could revolutionize the use of liquid hydrogen in mainstream transportation.