Prepared Liquid Hydrogen Automobile Readies for 24-Hour Contest – Remarks Following Withdrawal from Suzuka Premiere
In an exciting turn of events, Toyota's liquid hydrogen-powered GR Corolla has continued its development and racing efforts, despite a fire incident during testing. The car is all set to participate in the Fuji 24 Hours race, a testament to the team's resilience and ongoing commitment.
The fire, which occurred on March 8 at the circuit, was caused by a loosened joint in the hydrogen supply piping. However, the safety equipment swiftly shut down the hydrogen supply in less than 0.1 second, preventing the fire from spreading. No one was injured in the incident.
President Sato, expressing the team's motivation, stated that they are determined to create a carbon-neutral option for the mobility society of the future. This incident is seen as an opportunity to identify issues and keep moving forward with continuous improvement.
Toyota is revising the structure of the joint and modifying the design to isolate it from heat sources and stop the flow of hydrogen in the event of a leak. Iwatani's Hydrogen Division General Manager Manabu Tsuyoshi emphasized the importance of caution when handling hydrogen, stating that leaks can be prevented with proper design and operation checks.
The development team is working around the clock to prepare the hydrogen-powered car for next month's 24-hour race. General Manager Tsuyoshi also noted that Iwatani has been working with hydrogen for 80 years without any significant accidents.
Despite the setback, the hydrogen-powered Corolla will debut in May's Fuji 24 Hours race. Toyota's participation in the race is not just about finishing, but about actively contending with other class cars. This aligns with Toyota's broader strategy to develop hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines as a pathway toward low-carbon motorsports.
Chairman Toyoda, who drives the car himself, is committed to presenting hydrogen as the future, not a danger. He sees the incident as par for the course in the world of racing and a step towards creating a hydrogen society.
President Sato, Kawasaki Heavy Industries President Yasuhiko Hashimoto, and Iwatani Corporation President Hiroshi Majima attended a press conference at Suzuka Circuit, expressing a commitment to accelerate efforts to make hydrogen a carbon-neutral option. Kawasaki Heavy Industries has expanded its efforts in hydrogen, joining Toyota's Super Taikyu endeavor in 2021 as a partner transporting Australian hydrogen.
President Hashimoto compared the potential of liquid hydrogen to liquefied natural gas (LNG), suggesting that hydrogen can be used in similar ways and has potential for use in engines. The liquid hydrogen GR Corolla successfully completed a 24-hour race after only 18 months of development, a major milestone for the technology.
The team's approach has advanced from simply finishing the event to actively contending with other class cars at Fuji. Chairman Toyoda, President Sato, and General Manager Tsuyoshi all emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences and continuing development to explore the uncharted territory of racing with liquid hydrogen.
In summary, Toyota's liquid hydrogen GR Corolla project remains active and progressing, overcoming setbacks like the fire incident at testing, and the car is competing in the Fuji 24 Hours race with ambitions beyond mere participation. The team's determination to create a carbon-neutral option for the mobility society of the future is evident in their continued efforts.
- The setback experienced by Toyota during the testing of their liquid hydrogen-powered GR Corolla, while concerning, has sparked renewed efforts to refine the technology in the automotive industry.
- President Sato, alongside leaders from Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Iwatani Corporation, are working together to finance and develop renewable-energy solutions, such as hydrogen technology, aimed at creating carbon-neutral options for transportation.
- In the aftermath of the fire incident, General Manager Tsuyoshi highlighted the importance of technology and design improvements in the energy industry, as they prepare for the upcoming Fuji 24 Hours race with the hydrogen-powered Corolla.
