Toyota pump tech could be key to hydrogen-combustion practicality
a day ago
- Toyota showcased its hydrogen racing car program with the TGRR GR Corolla H2 Concept and TR LH2 Racing Prototype.
- Both vehicles use internal combustion engines (ICE) powered by liquid hydrogen, part of Toyota's hydrogen fuel research since 1996.
- The GR Corolla features a hydrogen version of the three-cylinder GR Yaris engine and completed 468 laps with a new superconducting hydrogen pump, a claimed world-first technology.
- The superconducting pump compresses liquid hydrogen at extremely low temperatures (-253°C) and is mounted inside the tank, increasing capacity from 220 to 300 liters and lowering the center of gravity.
- The GR Corolla was paired with Toyota's Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT), an eight-speed automatic developed for racing, enhancing performance with lock-up clutches and predictive calibration.
- Toyota has tested hydrogen ICE technology in the GR Yaris H2 at the 2022 Ypres Rally and experimented with recycling boil-off gas to reduce waste from evaporating liquid hydrogen.
- The TR LH2 Racing Prototype, based on the GR010 Hybrid WEC car, completed a demonstration lap at Le Mans in June before Toyota's victory in the 24 Hours race.