Can hydrogen as a fuel for internal combustion engines be a current driveline for passenger cars? It cannot be ruled out. Toyota's latest prototype is a Corolla Cross with a 1,6 liter 3-cylinder GR turbo engine - and it runs on hydrogen.
HICE vs. FCEV
The engine in Toyota's prototype is a petrol engine that has been converted to run on hydrogen. One of the advantages of HICE – Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine - is that it is based on proven technology. It appeals to drivers who prefer combustion engines to electric motors. Changing engine sound and the option to choose a gear ratio create driving pleasure. In addition, you avoid extra weight and problems associated with high-voltage batteries.
The hydrogen cars you can buy today are of the FCEV type - Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle – which is based on a fuel cell to convert hydrogen gas into electricity. The drive behind the fuel cell is 100% electric with a high-voltage battery. You can get by with a fairly small battery as the fuel cell supplies electricity all the time. The hydrogen car Toyota Mirai is an example of FCEV. The driving experience is like in an electric car.
Hydrogen cars with fuel cell has several advantages compared to the H2 internal combustion engine. First and foremost because they are considered zero-emission vehicles. Internal combustion engines, on the other hand, emit NOx from the combustion process – even those that run on hydrogen. Despite the fact that much of the emissions can be filtered out, the cars cannot be characterized as zero-emission vehicles. Another negative factor is the utilization rate of the fuel. Roughly speaking, cars with a fuel cell can achieve 40-60%, while hydrogen cars with a combustion engine only achieve 20-30%. In comparison, a battery-powered electric car can achieve 70-80% efficient utilization. All cars with an electric motor can recover energy through regenerative braking. Cars with a combustion engine cannot do that.
Production?
Toyota has announced that it is too early to commit to just one future powertrain. They are therefore developing several alternatives, including powertrains based on hydrogen. They have participated in Japanese Super Taikyu Endurance Races for 2024 with a Toyota Corolla where the internal combustion engine has been rebuilt to run on liquid hydrogen. The experience from racing has helped to increase range and performance, as well as being able to quickly fill up with fuel. Toyota's latest prototype – a Corolla cross with H2 internal combustion engine, has room for 5 people and luggage. It is one step closer to a HICE model that can be driven on ordinary roads. Toyota claims in a press release that they are now 40% on their way to completing HICE technology with liquid hydrogen - initially for racing.
Corolla Cross H2 Concept
The engine is based on the 1,6 liter 3-cylinder turbo engine from GR, converted to high-pressure hydrogen direct injection. The hydrogen tanks are taken from the Toyota Mirai. The car has room for 5 people with luggage.
A market for HICE?
Moments that speak against diffusion of HICE technology
- Excludes any support schemes for zero-emission vehicles.
- The spread of hydrogen vehicles requires a massive development of hydrogen stations corresponding to the development of electric charging stations.
Moments that speak for diffusion of HICE technology
- Hydrogen reduces emissions in places with poorly developed electrical networks. According to Toyota's manager, Aiko Toyoda are large parts of the world without sufficient electricity.
- Does not require raw materials such as lithium and nickel. H2 is found in water.
- Cars with internal combustion engines provide more driving pleasure than electric cars.
- Possibilities for rebuilding existing internal combustion engines.
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