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The CEO of Toyota said, "This New Engine Will Destroy the Entire EV Industry!"

Toyota's hydrogen vehicle

By Durga PrasadPublished 4 months ago 6 min read
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Toyota is doing something new in its garage! And this is no ordinary vehicle. We are talking about a brand new, revolutionary hydrogen vehicle! So you may have heard of the Mirai, Toyota's hydrogen vehicle that uses fuel cells to generate electricity. But now Toyota has come up with something completely different. They call it the new hydrogen combustion engine. This technology can change the automotive industry! Unlike other all-electric automakers, Toyota is taking a different path. But it's not just about being different—it's about being better. So, let's dive in! Let's talk about Toyota's new hydrogen combustion engine, how it works, and what it means for the industry! We all know the planet is in trouble somewhere, and according to globalcitizen.org, the transportation industry is responsible for a whopping 15 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. And it's no secret that traditional internal combustion engines have significantly contributed to the pollution problem, and while electric cars are certainly gaining in popularity, they're not the only solution, as some might argue. Enter Toyota's new branch in its versatile model of carbon neutrality: the hydrogen internal combustion engine. Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe and has the highest specific energy density of any non-nuclear energy source. It is emission-free and non-toxic, and it can be generated from multiple sources, stored indefinitely, and delivered relatively easily. Millions of metric tones of hydrogen are produced and used every year, and it is already used as an energy source in buildings, electric cars, trucks, ships, and trains. So what's wrong with hydrogen engines? Well, they have a longer range and don't need to be charged like electric cars. And the only byproduct that comes out of the exhaust is water! That's right, no harmful additives. Now you may be wondering how all this works. All hydrogen engines use a fuel cell that converts hydrogen into electricity. It's like magic, but with science. And did you know that Toyota began reducing the use of fossil fuel vehicles in 1997 when it introduced the Prius? They have been on the environmental bandwagon for some time now. But they are not the only ones. Automakers around the world are working to create environmentally friendly solar, electric, and hydrogen cars. It's not just about saving the planet; it's about ensuring energy security, improving air quality, and minimizing environmental impacts. And once hydrogen is produced, its distribution is efficient and cost-effective. Most hydrogen fueling stations for new vehicles produce hydrogen on site by electrolysis using 100% surplus renewable energy. And the best part? These plants are in tanks and only need water and electricity to operate. Electricity is supplied through green tariffs or, in some stations, directly from on-site solar or wind power. Toyota now claims to have created a new way to harness the power of hydrogen. Their design team recently unveiled the Corolla Cross H2 concept, a prototype of a new hydrogen-powered car. Toyota has been working on a new hydrogen-electric car that differs from the fuel cell technology that powers its latest hydrogen car, the Toyota Mirai. The idea of using a hydrogen internal combustion engine is not new. One of the pioneers in the game was German automaker BMW, which launched the 750HL in 2002, followed by the Hydrogen 7 in 2005. The BMW Hydrogen 7 was based on the traditional gasoline-powered 6.0-litre V-12, but with some modifications. It burns hydrogen and gasoline. It's a dual-fuel engine! And to make it even cooler, only 100 of these bad guys were made.

But it had some of the worst disadvantages. First, it is highly flammable, so you should think twice before lighting a match near your hydrogen car. It's also difficult to handle and store, which can be a bit of a headache. And let's not forget the nitrous oxide that is released in the combustion process. Although it may not be as bad as carbon monoxide, it is still considered a pollutant by the EPA. This is where Toyota comes in. Toyota believes that there is currently no one-size-fits-all solution for reducing vehicle emissions or meeting customers' transportation needs. It's all about getting the right vehicle to the right place at the right time. Therefore, investments must be made in all regions to meet immediate, medium-term, and long-term needs worldwide. And that's where hydrogen comes from—an integral part of Toyota's Beyond Zero campaign. And they intend to do that with the H2. You may be asking, "What is H2?" Well, it's Toyota's fancy name for hydrogen-burning engines, and it seems to be the future of automotive technology. So how does it work? The GR Corolla H2 is equipped with a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, but with a twist: it runs on hydrogen. To achieve this, Toyota uses thick, armored fuel tanks to hold the combustible hydrogen technology they got from their FCEV, the Mirai. And with just 5 kilograms of hydrogen, the car can travel up to 300 miles, and the only thing it emits is 50 liters of water! Talk about eco-friendly. Now let's talk about power. Toyota also partnered with Yamaha Motor to create a hydrogen-powered V-8 engine. That's right, a hydrogen-powered V-8 — and it produces 455 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. What about the actual actor? Eight-in-one top-mounted exhaust creates a unique high-frequency sound. And if that's not enough, hydrogen cars also have a longer range and faster refueling times than electric vehicles—just 90 seconds for the GR Yaris H2. It also reduces the need for scarce materials like lithium and nickel, which are definitely worth keeping an eye on. And with actual testing already underway, it won't be long before we see these cars hitting the road. And when that happens, forget everything you know about electric cars because Toyota's hydrogen combustion engine has many advantages over them. The biggest is that it has a longer range, and refuelling is just as fast as drag racing. Now this technology is not only useful for drivers but also environmentally friendly. Toyota's hydrogen engine doesn't require nearly as many rare metals like lithium or nickel, which are critical to making electric car batteries. And although it has a battery, it is significantly smaller than an electric car battery. The Corolla Cross H2 concept car is now undergoing actual evaluation and winter road testing in northern Japan. And because the Japanese government has high hopes for hydrogen, they plan to have 200,000 fuel cell vehicles on the road by 2025 and 800,000 fuel cell vehicles by 2030, with refueling stations planned across the country. Now let's talk about the sound. Not only does it sound fantastic, but the exhaust note is indistinguishable from that of a tuned gasoline vehicle. And because no fossil fuels are burned, Toyota's innovative hydrogen engine emits almost no carbon dioxide. Of course, it produces a certain amount of harmful gases, but significantly less than a pure gasoline car. But what about security, you might ask? Toyota has it covered too. They added stronger connecting rods, harder valves and valve seats, and fuel injectors that use gas instead of liquid. So you can drive with confidence, knowing that safety comes first. Now let's get to the heart of the matter. What are the benefits of this new technology? Well, let's start with the biggest drawback of electric cars: charging. We've all heard the horror stories, but hydrogen is no big deal. Just like an ICE car, it takes 90 seconds to fill up with hydrogen, and while there aren't many of them these days, they tend to fit in well at regular gas stations. In addition, the small battery of the GR Yaris H2 requires fewer raw materials, such as lithium or nickel, making it even more environmentally friendly.

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About the Creator

Durga Prasad

My "spare" time is spent creating for myself and writing for others.

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