Toyota fields hydrogen-powered GR Corolla to secure tech development partners

MANILA: Toyota Motor Corporation is entering the Eneos Super Taikyu Super Series 2024 Round 7 with the #32 Orc Rookie GR Corolla H2 Concept in order to secure partners to further develop its boil-off gas technology. 

To note, the Orc Rookie GR Corolla H2 Concept is a liquid hydrogen-powered race car, that was upgraded to be able to use gas hydrogen, which forms through evaporation of liquid hydrogen fuel stored in the car’s tank. 

Per the Japanese marque, evaporated hydrogen in gas form is a byproduct and is usually wasted by releasing it into the atmosphere. The aforementioned is a recurring issue on hydrogen vehicles, negatively affecting their efficiency. 

The new concept vehicle, however, can recover the boil-off gas to power the engine and generate electricity in the car’s fuel-cell stack. The aforementioned processes are accomplished through the use of a self-pressurizer device and a chemical reaction, respectively. 

In a nutshell, Toyota says the boil-off gas technology further refines its liquid-hydrogen engine. Beyond racing, the brand sees it as an avenue to create more efficient hydrogen passenger cars in the future.

As the Nagoya-based car maker admits, the technology is still in its concept stages and is still in need of improvement. However, as mentioned above, it is looking to attract possible collaborators by showcasing the said technology on the Orc Rookie GR Corolla H2 Concept. 

Previously, Toyota established a partnership with BMW to develop more hydrogen-powered cars. The two car makers are looking to launch a mass-produced fuel-cell electric vehicle in 2028. 

Toyota also fielded the #32 Orc Rookie GR Corolla H2 at a previous round of the Japan-based Super Taikyu racing series. Its earlier appearance in the racing series highlighted its upgraded liquid hydrogen pump and its larger fuel tank. 

In other markets, the automotive giant has been selling the liquid-hydrogen-powered second-generation Mirai since 2020. 

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