Liquid-hydrogen propulsion has been demonstrated in a take a look at automotive developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing, in what appears a big milestone for motorsports and the broader hydrogen mobility ecosystem.
The GR LH2 Racing Idea made its public debut on 11-12 June on the Circuit de la Sarthe race course the place it was being exhibited on the H2 Village, organised by the Vehicle Membership de l’Ouest, in the course of the 93rd Le Mans 24 Hours.
Using liquid hydrogen propulsion – a pioneering effort in motorsports – introduces benefits (in comparison with gaseous gas) when it comes to larger vitality density, longer vary and potential weight benefits. But it surely has been thought of tougher to implement given the necessity for cryogenic storage, and the potential security challenges.
Toyota’s work on hydrogen engine improvement in motorsports has been undertaken initially by way of Rookie Racing’s participation within the Japanese Tremendous Taikyu sequence with the hydrogen-engine Corolla, which initially used gaseous hydrogen from 2021, earlier than the introduction of a liquid hydrogen-powered automotive from 2023. The potential of hydrogen engines in rallying was showcased in 2022 when the GR Yaris H2 accomplished demonstration runs on Ypres Rally, a spherical of the FIA World Rally Championship.
In 2023, the hydrogen-engine Corolla accomplished an illustration lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe, whereas a hydrogen engine idea automotive, the GR H2 Racing Idea, was offered to preview a possible future hydrogen class at Le Mans.
Since then, improvement of the know-how has intensified, says the agency, reaching a brand new milestone with this newest unveiling of the liquid hydrogen-powered GR LH2 Racing Idea, based mostly on the GR010 Hybrid Hypercar which at present participates within the FIA World Endurance Championship. Working on liquid hydrogen, the idea measures 5,100mm lengthy and a pair of,050mm large.
“By way of future monitor testing, the GR LH2 Racing Idea will help Toyota’s steady improvement of hydrogen know-how and infrastructure, in addition to serving to construct relationships to develop the probabilities of hydrogen by way of the problem of motorsports.”
