Many manufacturers are betting on hydrogen again after a few years in which this technology had been doubted. Toyota is one of them, since it has a production vehicle in its range and has also investigated its application in competition and also in bodies such as pick-ups. Now they reaffirm themselves with the presentation of the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept, which is a prototype of his small SUV powered by a fuel cell. It is a way of showing that they remain committed to the multi-technology approach and carbon neutrality in the long term.
They do it with a Toyota Corolla Cross, the compact SUV that is about to hit our converted market to adopt hydrogen combustion technology. In fact, it mounts a motor of 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder with direct hydrogen injection high pressure derived from the one mounted on the GR Corolla. This prototype was initially raised digitally, always with the aim of maintaining the capabilities of the original with its five seats and space to carry luggage. Now they have brought it to real life and are testing it in Japan.
As in other hydrogen combustion models, the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept seeks that possibility of take advantage of conventional motors existing internal combustion engines so that they can have a second life. It is an adaptation to a cleaner fuel and not abusing the large batteries that electric vehicles carry, which carry limited-supply materials such as lithium and nickel. The brand says that prototypes of this type they are still 40% of the way to reach production, they do not know if they will reach the necessary maturity.
However, many doors are opened and their contribution to the competition of the future. It is precisely where Toyota is getting the most out of it, which has a GR Corolla H2 running endurance races of the Japanese Super Taikyu. In just one season of touring, the brand has managed to increase hydrogen combustion power by 24% and torque by 33%. The autonomy has also increased by 30% and the refueling time has been reduced from five minutes to just a minute and a half. As we said, interesting data and a lot of potential for vehicles like this Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept.