Recently, Toyota has been questioning the effectiveness of hydrogen combustion engines as a viable solution for future transport systems. However, experimental mishaps have revealed flaws and disadvantages in their effort to develop hydrogen technology.
Toyota’s research reveals common issues with new alternative fuel technologies, including the unpredictability and high risks of research and development work. The industry has changed rapidly, making Toyota’s approach instrumental in discussions about effective approaches to sustainable mobility.
The pros and cons of liquid hydrogen combustion engines have emerged from tests implemented by Toyota. Liquid hydrogen has a greater energy density than gas form, making it easier to store and transport. However, storing liquid hydrogen requires submersion at temperatures below minus 253 degrees Celsius, complicating its practical implementation in passenger vehicles.
Technical issues with liquid hydrogen engines include high failure rates of fuel pumps and difficulties in designing effective seals between pump components due to the CO2 freezing point. Additionally, fuel efficiency and range are concerns, with a pre-production Toyota Corolla requiring a 150-liter hydrogen tank to travel only 65 kilometers before refueling.
In comparison, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have emerged as the primary way to provide a zero-emission solution for transportation. BEVs have higher efficiency rates than hydrogen combustion engines and are supported by a more comprehensive and less capital-intensive charging infrastructure.
In conclusion, Toyota’s findings suggest that liquid hydrogen is not the future for passenger cars due to technical issues, inefficiency, and feasibility concerns. Battery electric vehicles seem to be the definitive solution for zero-emission mobility in the automotive sector, making it likely that manufacturers will focus on BEVs even harder and dedicate more resources to perfecting the technology.
Source: https://www.ecoticias.com/en/toyota-hydrogen-liquid-fuel/5256/