THE TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS H2 HYDROGEN CONCEPT: AN ALTERNATIVE TO LITHIUM ION

By Piero Facchin

With the hydrogen engine, Toyota is working on a new branch in its diversified approach to carbon neutrality. Although the automaker began reducing the number of fossil-fuel vehicles starting in 1997 when it first launched its Prius, it has not put all its eggs in one basket, the all-electric one.

Toyota’s hydrogen combustion engine offers a range of advantages, including those over the experience offered by electric vehicles. Among them is the fact that this H2 ICE (internal combustion engine) with the Corolla Cross H2 Concept, has a greater range and an extremely fast refuelling time of about 90 seconds.

In addition to these benefits for the driver, there is also an advantage in terms of cost, scarcity of materials and environmental friendliness since it doesn’t require as many rare metals such as lithium or nickel, which are essential for making a battery. While this vehicle does have a battery, it is significantly smaller than that of an electric vehicle.

The Corolla Cross H2 concept vehicle is currently being evaluated in real-world conditions. Winter Road condition testing is expected to begin soon. These tests will take place in northern Japan.

While there are already hydrogen cars that use fuel cells on the market and under development, hydrogen combustion engines will add a new technology option for automakers and drivers. As electricity shortages increase and the price of green H2 continues to fall, many experts believe that this form of zero-emission, low-carbon vehicle may soon be in its heyday, while electric vehicles may soon reach their peak