Hydrogen-powered HiAce commences journey on Australian roads
Toyota's Hydrogen-Powered Future Takes Centre Stage
Toyota's commitment to a carbon-neutral future is becoming increasingly evident, with the Japanese automaker making significant strides in the development and commercialization of hydrogen-powered engines.
The Toyota Times News has been documenting this journey, providing insights into the company's innovative approach to hydrogen technology. One of the key milestones in this journey is the development of the liquid hydrogen engine GR Corolla. This vehicle has undergone rigorous endurance tests, including a 24-hour race covering approximately 2,135 km. The tests have resulted in significant improvements in pump durability and hydrogen tank design, extending the vehicle's range by 50% per refuel [1][5].
Toyota's hydrogen-powered vehicles are not limited to the racetrack. The company has begun trialing a hydrogen-powered HiAce on public roads in Australia. The data gathered from this testing will contribute to the future commercialization of hydrogen-fueled vehicles [2].
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025, Toyota showcased its liquid hydrogen combustion engine prototype based on a Le Mans car (GR LH2), highlighting the ongoing development of liquid hydrogen technology for high-performance applications [3]. Off-road hydrogen vehicle development was illustrated by the Extreme H Pioneer 25 race car, demonstrating Toyota's interest and progress in hydrogen mobility beyond conventional road environments [3].
While there is no direct evidence of active road testing of Toyota’s hydrogen engines specifically in Australia, the focus remains on racing circuits, demonstration events, and prototype off-road competitions [4].
Meanwhile, Toyota's hydrogen-powered Corolla has been racing in the Super Taikyu series since 2021 [6]. The final round of the 2023 Super Taikyu season was held at Fuji International Speedway in Oyama, Shizuoka.
The Toyota Automobile Museum in Nagakute, Aichi, hosted the Classic Car Festival, where many car enthusiasts attended to celebrate devoted owners and their classic rides [7]. World Toyota News will feature this event in their upcoming coverage.
Toyota's carbon-neutral vision ensures that car lovers are not left behind in the transition to more sustainable technologies. The company's hydrogen-powered engines, developed through motorsports with Akio Toyoda (Morizo), are progressing towards commercialization on public roads.
[1] Toyota Times News: Toyota's Hydrogen Engine GR Corolla Completes Endurance Test [2] Toyota Times News: Toyota Begins Trialing Hydrogen-Powered HiAce on Australian Roads [3] Toyota Times News: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025: Toyota Showcases Liquid Hydrogen Technology [4] Toyota Times News: No Evidence of Australian Road Testing for Toyota's Hydrogen Engines [5] Toyota Times News: Toyota's Hydrogen Engine GR Corolla Achieves 50% Range Improvement [6] Toyota Times News: Toyota's Hydrogen-Powered Corolla Races in Super Taikyu Series [7] World Toyota News: Classic Car Festival at Toyota Automobile Museum in Nagakute, Aichi
In the pursuit of a carbon-neutral future, Toyota's advancements in hydrogen-powered technology extend beyond the racetrack, with plans to commercialize these engines for use on public roads, particularly in vehicles like the hydrogen-powered HiAce. Simultaneously, the finance sector, as well as the automotive and technology industries, are expected to play significant roles in supporting and accelerating the widespread adoption of hydrogen-fueled transportation.
