Jul. 31, 2021
Hydrogen Engine-equipped Corolla to Enter Super Taikyu Race in Autopolis
- The hydrogen engine-equipped Corolla has undergone rapid improvements in the last two or so months since its participation in the Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hours Race
- Toyota is further contributing to carbon neutrality by not only using hydrogen, but ensuring that the hydrogen it is using is green hydrogen (hydrogen produced using renewable energy)
- By using green hydrogen produced by Obayashi Corporation and Toyota Motor Kyushu, Toyota is encouraging the local production for local consumption of hydrogen energy and expanding energy choice
Toyota City, Japan, July 31, 2021―Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced today that it will enter a vehicle equipped with a developmental hydrogen-powered engine at the five-hour-long Super Taikyu Race in Autopolis, which takes place from July 31 to August 1, 2021. The hydrogen engine is being developed as part of Toyota's efforts to realize a carbon-neutral mobility society.
Just as in the previous round, the vehicle will be entered under the ORC ROOKIE Racing banner, and Toyota President Akio Toyoda will participate in the race as the driver Morizo. By entering a hydrogen-powered vehicle that uses green hydrogen produced locally in Kyushu, Toyota intends to further strengthen the hydrogen-centered partnerships it enjoys with other industries in Kyushu.
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- A vehicle equipped with a hydrogen engine races in the Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hours Race
The hydrogen engine Corolla participated in its first race at the Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hours Race, which took place at Fuji Speedway on May 21, 2021, with the goal of accelerating the pace of development of its hydrogen engine. In the two or so months since the race, Toyota has implemented a number of improvements both to the car and to its related hydrogen infrastructure.
Improvements implemented over the last two or so months
| Vehicle | Abnormal combustion has been reduced, leading to improved performance (torque increased by approx. 15%) |
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| Responsiveness―one of the merits of using a hydrogen engine―has been further improved Infrastructure Hydrogen refueling rates have been accelerated | |
| Infrastructure | Hydrogen refueling rates have been accelerated (Approx. 40% improvement, from approx. 5 minutes to approx. 3 minutes) Working time from connecting to disconnecting the hydrogen station nozzle
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| Toyota now uses green hydrogen produced by FH2R as well as by Obayashi and Toyota Motor Kyushu |
By participating at Autopolis, Toyota hopes to identify any potential issues under tough conditions, and so accelerate the pace of its development. The company will also procure green hydrogen produced locally for local consumption from Obayashi and Toyota Motor Kyushu, which support its attempts to develop a hydrogen engine. In this way, Toyota will contribute to the use and production of green hydrogen, increase energy choice, and thereby contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality.
Hydrogen supplies for the hydrogen engine Corolla
| Supply ratios | FH2R: approx. 50%; Obayashi: approx. 30%; Toyota Motor Kyushu: approx. 20% |
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| Number of hydrogen stations | Three stations (Kyushu-based mobile fueling stations will be used) |
Obayashi and Toyota Motor Kyushu initiatives
| Obayashi | In Kokonoe Town, Oita Prefecture, Obayashi is engaged in a demonstration project for the integrated production of green hydrogen using geothermal power for the first time in Japan, and the supply of this green hydrogen to various customers. It is also supplying green hydrogen produced using geothermal power for Toyota's hydrogen engine Corolla.
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| Toyota Motor Kyushu | Toyota Motor Kyushu is using hydrogen purified by solar power to fuel forklift trucks used in its plants and to light its facilities. It also supplies green hydrogen produced using solar power to Toyota's hydrogen engine vehicles.
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Kyushu has a high proportion of renewable energy usage , and extensive research into hydrogen is carried out in this region; indeed, Toyota Motor Kyushu is also a proactive user of hydrogen energy. Through its development of a hydrogen engine, Toyota hopes to establish new partnerships and regional collaborations with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality and a hydrogen society in Kyushu.
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- Obayashi's demonstration plant for geothermal power and green hydrogen production
Source: Obayashi Corporation
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- Solar panels at Toyota Motor Kyushu
Source: Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc.
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Making use of engine technologies developed in Japan over many years, hydrogen engines represent a new choice in Toyota's efforts to realize carbon neutrality. Both in the Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hours Race in May, and in the upcoming Super Taikyu Race in Autopolis in July and August, Toyota has benefitted hugely from the cooperation of many affiliated companies. In order to safeguard employment in the automotive industry, Toyota will continue to develop hydrogen engines together with the 5.5 million people in the automotive industry and various other partners.
"Achieving zero, and adding new value beyond it"
As part of efforts to pass our beautiful "Home Planet" to the next generation, Toyota has identified and is helping to solve issues faced by individuals and overall society, which Toyota calls "Achieving Zero," hoping to help reduce the negative impacts caused by these issues to people and the environment to zero. Additionally, Toyota is also looking "Beyond Zero" to create and provide greater value by continuing to diligently seek ways to improve lives and society for the future.
- About Beyond Zero
- https://global.toyota/en/mobility/beyond-zero/
Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.
- SDGs Initiatives
- https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/
SDGs goals that this project makes particular contribution to
DOWNLOADS (IMAGES)
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- A vehicle equipped with a hydrogen engine races in the Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hours Race
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- Obayashi's trial plant for geothermal power and green hydrogen production
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- Solar panels at Toyota Motor Kyushu
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- Hydrogen production facilities at Toyota Motor Kyushu
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- Hydrogen tank at Toyota Motor Kyushu
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- Hydrogen refueling facilities at Toyota Motor Kyushu
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- FC Forklift truck at Toyota Motor Kyushu
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- Hydrogen engine races in Autopolis
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- Hydrogen engine races in Autopolis
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- Hydrogen engine races in Autopolis
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- Hydrogen filling in Autopolis
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