Toyota is still choosing hydrogen engines to turn the game around.

Video : User reviews of the Toyota Yaris Cross HEV.

While the global automotive industry is undergoing a strong shift towards electric vehicles, Toyota is choosing an ambitious parallel path: developing hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines. This approach both inherits traditional engineering foundations and opens up opportunities for carbon neutrality without sacrificing the driving experience.

For many years, Toyota has been known as a pioneer in the field of electrification, with hybrid models like the Prius and the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle Mirai. However, instead of completely abandoning internal combustion engines, the Japanese automaker is seeking to "revive" this technology using a cleaner fuel source: pure hydrogen.

Unlike electric vehicles using lithium-ion batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, the hydrogen engine that Toyota is pursuing is a direct combustion of hydrogen in the cylinder, similar to how gasoline engines operate. Prototypes such as the GR Corolla H2 and GR Yaris H2 have been tested in Japanese domestic racing series since 2021, demonstrating the practical potential of this technology.

According to Toyota, using hydrogen fuel cell combustion offers several significant advantages: utilizing existing powertrains, maintaining a sporty driving feel—something many users desire—while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Under ideal conditions, emissions are virtually nonexistent, consisting only of water vapor.

However, this technology also faces numerous challenges. Burning hydrogen at high temperatures still produces NOx (nitrogen oxides), an air pollutant. Furthermore, the safe storage and transportation of hydrogen requires high-pressure storage tanks and specialized refueling infrastructure, which is currently only feasible in a few developed markets such as Japan or Europe.

The Yamaha Zuma 125, also known as the BWS 125, is a redesigned scooter from the Japanese manufacturer, eliminating the internal combustion engine to become the company's first hydrogen-powered motorcycle.

Meanwhile, experts believe that hydrogen engines are not intended to replace electric vehicles, but rather are part of a strategy to diversify carbon neutrality solutions. Akio Toyoda, President-emperor of Toyota, has repeatedly stated: "We shouldn't force one solution for all. The future of the automotive industry should be a flexible combination of electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen vehicles."

Toyota is not alone in this endeavor. Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Subaru are all collaborating on the development of hydrogen engines for high-performance motorcycles and cars. Japan views hydrogen as a crucial part of its national clean energy policy, with significant investments in production and infrastructure.

While the exact timing of widespread commercialization is still uncertain, this direction shows Toyota's steadfast pursuit of "carbon-neutral" technology, avoiding the pitfall of "electric vehicles at all costs." In the near future, hydrogen engines could become the suitable solution for segments requiring high performance, intensive operation, or markets where charging infrastructure is still limited.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/toyota-van-chon-dong-co-hydro-de-lat-nguoc-cuoc-choi-post1549373.html