Toyota has developed a hydrogen engine that is now to be tested in motorsports. The engine uses hydrogen instead of gasoline and thus emits no CO2 emissions.
Toyota is continuously developing and testing various alternative powertrain technologies.While fuel cell vehicles use a chemical process to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, hydrogen engines combust this mixture.
In the GE16-GTS three-cylinder test engine, the hydrogen is injected into the combustion chambers of the engine via a modified fuel supply and injection system. Combustion is faster than in comparable gasoline engines, resulting in improved engine response. In addition, vibrations are reduced, increasing driving feel and vehicle feedback. The distinctive sound of the combustion engine is also retained. The biggest advantage of the environmentally friendly vehicle performance: hydrogen engines emit no CO2 emissions locally.
The new engine technology will be put to the test for the first time at this year’s 24-hour race in Fuji, Japan (May 21-23), which will be held as part of the 2021 Super Taikyu Series and is regarded as a Japanese endurance classic.
Powered by the hydrogen engine at the front wheels, the hand-geared race car based on the Toyota Corolla will be fueled with hydrogen from the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field in Namie Town (Fukushima Prefecture) during the race.
Image: Toyota
