Toyota had accelerated its journey toward carbon neutrality with the introduction of the prototype Corolla Cross Hydrogen Concept. This innovative vehicle showcased the potential of hydrogen combustion technology, offering a compelling alternative path to zero emissions. Developed through rigorous motorsport testing, this prototype represented a significant leap in the automotive industry’s quest for sustainable solutions.
At Toyota, the approach to achieving zero emissions had been multifaceted. The company recognized the diverse needs of customers and varying market environments globally. “It’s too early to focus on one single zero emission solution,” a Toyota spokesperson had emphasized. Thus, Toyota’s strategy involved multiple technologies: battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and hybrid electric vehicles. Among these, hydrogen technology stood out with two distinct paths—the hydrogen fuel cell seen in the Mirai and the burgeoning hydrogen combustion technology exemplified by the Corolla Cross Hydrogen Concept.
Toyota’s engineers had posed a critical question: “Where can we accelerate the development of a hydrogen-powered car?” The answer had been found in the competitive world of motorsport. Toyota’s participation in the 2022 Super Taikyu endurance races with the hydrogen combustion GR Corolla H2 had been pivotal. These races provided an ideal testbed, allowing the car’s performance to be honed under intense conditions. By the season’s end, the car’s combustion power had increased by 24%, torque by 33%, and range by 30%. Refuelling times had been dramatically reduced from five minutes to just 90 seconds.
Building on the successes in motorsport, Toyota had equipped the 1.6-litre, three-cylinder turbo engine from the GR Corolla with high-pressure hydrogen direct injection technology. The hydrogen tank packaging expertise from the Toyota Mirai has also been integrated. The result was a Corolla Cross hydrogen prototype that could transport five passengers and their luggage, all while undergoing real-world evaluation and preparing for winter testing in northern Japan.
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Hydrogen combustion offers several notable benefits. Unlike traditional electric vehicles, it leveraged existing internal combustion engine technologies, resulting in quick refueling times and reduced reliance on limited supply elements like lithium and nickel. “Hydrogen combustion could lead to widespread, accessible carbon-reduction solutions faster,” Toyota asserted, highlighting the technology’s potential to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. This approach not only promised environmental benefits but also economic advantages by utilizing established manufacturing processes and infrastructure.
The application of hydrogen combustion technology in motorsport had demonstrated its viability and performance potential. Andrew Krok, an automotive analyst, remarked, “Toyota’s hydrogen race car has brought its performance to near parity with a traditional gas combustion engine.” The quick refueling times, comparable to those of gasoline engines, made it a practical alternative for high-performance applications.
The Corolla Cross Hydrogen Concept, with its ability to operate like a conventional gasoline engine but using compressed hydrogen, represented a significant innovation. The engine’s design, which closely resembled that of traditional combustion engines, facilitated the transition to this new technology. This design ensured that the vehicle retained the performance characteristics familiar to drivers while drastically reducing emissions.
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Despite the impressive progress, Toyota acknowledged that there was still a long way to go before hydrogen combustion became a viable road technology. “We’re about 40% of the way to creating a viable purchasable solution,” a Toyota engineer stated. The upcoming winter testing in northern Japan would be crucial in refining the technology and moving closer to a market-ready product.
Toyota’s commitment to hydrogen combustion was clear, and the Corolla Cross Hydrogen Concept was a testament to the company’s innovative spirit. As the automotive industry continued to evolve, Toyota’s diverse approach to zero emissions, including the promising hydrogen combustion technology, positioned it at the forefront of the drive toward a sustainable future.
