Liquid-hydrogen propulsion has been demonstrated in a take a look at automobile 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 Sarthe circuit race course the place it was being exhibited on the H2 Village, organised by the Car Membership de l’Ouest, through the 93rd Le Mans 24 Hours.
The usage of liquid hydrogen propulsion – a pioneering effort in motorsports – introduces benefits (in comparison with gaseous gasoline) by way of larger vitality density, longer vary and potential weight benefits. However it 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 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 automobile 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 Sarthe circuitwhereas a hydrogen engine idea automobile, the GR H2 Racing Idea, was introduced to preview a possible future hydrogen class at Le Mans.
Since then, improvement of the expertise 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. Operating 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 expertise and infrastructure, in addition to serving to construct relationships to broaden the chances of hydrogen by the problem of motorsports.”
