Hourly Testing of the Hydrogen-Propelled Motor Engine
In an impressive display of resilience and innovation, Toyota's hydrogen-powered Corolla completed the 24-hour endurance race at Fuji Speedway in May 2021. Supported by the Toyota Gazoo Racing team, the vehicle covered a distance of 1,634km, breaking the 1,500km mark with just under two hours to go.
The race was not without its challenges. Issues such as hydrogen leaks and increased engine pressure were encountered during the competition. A missing nut on the right rear absorber was replaced by borrowing a part from a team member's GR Yaris. Additionally, an emergency pit stop was necessary due to steering irregularities. Despite these setbacks, the car continued to run smoothly, with the rearview monitor being the only consistent issue.
The race saw a rotation of six drivers, with Kamui Kobayashi starting in the driver's seat. Notable drivers such as Masahiro Sasaki, Akio Toyoda (also known as Morizo), and Hiroaki Ishiura took turns behind the wheel. Ishiura drove during the early hours of the new day after the engine was restarted at 3:30 a.m. Morizo drove for one lap before returning to the pits due to a hydrogen leak.
Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota, expressed appreciation for completing the race despite the problems encountered. He believes the race was a valuable asset towards achieving carbon neutrality. Toyoda's sentiment was shared by the team, as they spent approximately 8 hours conducting repairs and safety checks in the pits, with around 4 hours needed for refueling hydrogen.
The race marked a significant milestone for Toyota's hydrogen-powered vehicles. With the Corolla completing the 24-hour endurance race, it demonstrates the potential of hydrogen as a viable alternative to traditional fuel sources. As Toyota continues to push the boundaries of technology, we can expect to see more innovative solutions from the automotive giant in the future.
