Prepared Liquid Hydrogen Vehicle Gears Up for 24-Hour Race following its withdrawal after the Suzuka Opener
Toyota's groundbreaking liquid hydrogen-powered GR Corolla has made history, completing a 24-hour endurance race just 18 months after development began. Despite a setback during testing, the team's resilience and determination shone through as they competed not only to finish but also to compete against other classes at the Fuji 24 Hours race in June 2025.
The car's success is a significant step forward in Toyota's broader mission to promote hydrogen engine technology in motorsports. The incident during testing, which resulted in a fire caused by a loosened joint in the hydrogen supply piping, has not deterred the team. No specific new details about the cause or aftermath have been publicly disclosed, but Toyota has resumed racing activities with the hydrogen-powered GR Corolla.
Looking ahead to the 24-hour race planned for May, Toyota remains committed to participating with the liquid hydrogen GR Corolla. The team aims to compete robustly with other vehicle classes, reflecting Toyota’s ongoing investment in hydrogen engine technology for racing. This commitment aligns with Toyota’s strategy to foster a motorsports culture around hydrogen-powered cars and demonstrate the viability of low-carbon racing fuels.
President Koji Sato and Chairman Akio Toyoda are both optimistic about the potential of hydrogen as an energy source. Sato compared hydrogen to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and expressed optimism about its potential as a carbon-neutral energy source. Meanwhile, Chairman Toyoda drives the car himself and wants people to see hydrogen as the future, not a danger.
The development team is working around the clock to prepare the hydrogen-powered car for next month's race. To prevent future incidents, Toyota will revise the structure of the joint and modify the design to isolate it from heat sources and stop the flow of hydrogen in the event of a leak. General Manager Tsuyoshi stressed the need to approach the next race with the mindset that leaks may occur and to ensure that they are identified, not allowed to accumulate, and do not lead to harm.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has also joined Toyota's efforts, having partnered with the company in 2021 to transport Australian hydrogen. The company's Hydrogen Division General Manager, Manabu Tsuyoshi, emphasized the importance of caution when handling hydrogen, but also highlighted the company's long history of working with hydrogen without significant accidents.
At a recent press conference at Suzuka Circuit, President Sato was joined by Kawasaki Heavy Industries President Yasuhiko Hashimoto and Iwatani Corporation President Hiroshi Majima to discuss the project's progress and future plans.
In summary, Toyota's liquid hydrogen-powered GR Corolla has made history by completing a 24-hour endurance race, despite facing challenges during testing. The team's resilience and determination are evident as they continue to develop the technology and participate in motorsports, with plans to compete in the upcoming 24-hour race at Fuji Speedway in May. Toyota's commitment to hydrogen engine technology and the creation of a hydrogen society is clear, as they work towards a carbon-neutral future for motorsports.
- The success of Toyota's hydrogen-powered GR Corolla marks a significant stride in the automotive industry, demonstrating the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable living solution for transport-related energy needs.
- Together with Toyota, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, a partner since 2021, is also contributing to the promotion of hydrogen as an energy source, particularly in the transportation sector.
- Technology plays a crucial role in Toyota's endeavors, as they are revising the design of the hydrogen-powered GR Corolla to enhance its safety, aiming to prevent any accidents associated with hydrogen and ensuring a smooth flow in the home-and-garden sector.
- The collaboration between Toyota, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Iwatani Corporation indicates a broader movement in the energy and finance industries, with a focus on developing low-carbon technologies and fostering a culture that supports the growth of a hydrogen society.
