Second 24-Hour Endurance Race of the Liquid Hydrogen-Fueled Corolla: Trials and Progress
Toyota's Liquid Hydrogen-Powered Corolla Takes on the 24-Hour Endurance Race
In a groundbreaking move, Toyota participated in this year's 24-hour endurance race with a liquid hydrogen-powered Corolla. This was not only the first time Toyota had attempted such a feat, but it was also the first time in the world that a vehicle of this kind had competed in such a race.
The development process for this year's race was rapid and trial and error continued up until just before the race. The struggles of the development team were closely followed, with numerous struggles faced during the development process for the 2023 race.
One of the main focuses of the development team was improving the hydrogen pump durability. The pump needed to be highly reliable to maintain consistent hydrogen supply without breakdowns, ensuring uninterrupted fuel flow and engine performance throughout the race. Toyota achieved this by enhancing the hydrogen pump to handle the extreme conditions of a 24-hour endurance race.
Another key improvement was the replacement of the traditional cylindrical tank design with an elliptical hydrogen tank. This shape optimization achieved better packaging efficiency and improved safety under high pressure, enabling greater onboard hydrogen storage capacity within the race car’s limited space.
In addition to these improvements, a novel CO2 capture device was integrated to reduce environmental impact during combustion. Although the engine burns liquid hydrogen, the system captures residual CO2 emissions, further pushing Toyota’s commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainability in motorsports.
Despite these advancements, the liquid hydrogen-powered Corolla faced challenges during the race. Brake issues prevented the vehicle from reaching last year's record of 358 laps or nearly 1,634 kilometers. Nevertheless, the team, led by drivers Morizo and Masahiko Kondo, managed to complete 332 laps, covering nearly 1,515 kilometers. One of the goals, to run 30 laps on a single hydrogen refill, was met by the liquid hydrogen-powered Corolla.
Feedback from the development team included phrases like "Let's go back to basics," "We learned a lot," and "We were very frustrated." Despite the challenges, Chairman Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo, encouraged the development team with the quote "Boldly go where no man has gone before," from Captain Kirk in Star Trek.
The 24-hour endurance race in 2023 is worth watching, as Toyota continues to push the boundaries of hydrogen technology in motorsports. The focus is on combining performance durability and environmental responsibility to enable liquid hydrogen racing in endurance formats like Le Mans, reflecting Toyota’s broader hydrogen strategy beyond fuel cells.
- The development team's focus on enhancing the hydrogen pump's durability highlights Toyota's commitment to technology in the automotive industry, aiming to create efficient and reliable vehicles for the future.
- In the realm of sports and racing, the liquid hydrogen-powered Corolla's participation in the 24-hour endurance race showcases Toyota's dedication to finance and invest in cutting-edge transportation technology.
- As Toyota continues to screen and implement innovative solutions, such as the CO2 capture device, the company is leveraging technology to drive performance while fostering sustainability in the sports and transportation industries.
