Embracing Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Capture--Hydrogen Corolla Faces Innovative Technology at Fuji: A Redefinition of Automotive Mileage
In the realm of sustainable transportation, recent developments have been making waves. Toyota's announcement of a gaseous hydrogen-engine HiAce commencing public road trials in Australia signals a significant step forward for hydrogen-powered engine technology. Meanwhile, ROOKIE Racing, a team that fielded three cars in the 2023 Super Taikyu Series, is making strides in carbon capture technology.
The 2023 series concluded on November 12 at Fuji Speedway in Oyama, Shizuoka, with the #14 Zhongsheng ROOKIE AMG GT3 finishing third overall and clinching the championship. However, the spotlight is also on the team's new technology for capturing CO emissions. This innovative system, developed in collaboration with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, uses the existing air intake and heat within the engine. It consists of two filters and a fluid fitted under the hood.
The first filter is mounted at the inlet to the air cleaner, while the other is located at the very front of the engine bay. The CO released is passed through a recovery fluid, which captures the emissions, totaling approximately 20 grams over 20 laps of Fuji Speedway. The team plans to increase capture volumes and automate filter replacement in the future.
The advancements in hydrogen technology are not limited to ROOKIE Racing. The global hydrogen engine market is projected to grow significantly, with a CAGR of 13.5% from 2025 to 2034, reaching USD 25.09 billion by 2034. Hydrogen engines are seen as a transitional solution for sustainable transportation, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles, offering minimal emissions and potential long-haul applications.
However, the sector faces challenges such as high development costs and limited hydrogen infrastructure. Clean hydrogen production is becoming more efficient, with advancements in electrolysis technologies, though it remains more expensive than fossil-based alternatives. Storage and infrastructure challenges persist, including hydrogen embrittlement and power conversion losses.
Despite these challenges, global investment in low-emission hydrogen is expected to increase by about 70% in 2025, reaching nearly $8 billion. Policymakers are also stepping up with funding and regulations to support the hydrogen sector, aiming to make it a cornerstone of the clean energy transition by 2030.
In the aviation sector, Airbus and MTU Aero Engines are collaborating on hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, aiming to decarbonize aviation. Their focus is on developing fuel cell fully-electric propulsion systems for commercial aircraft.
Continued cost reduction through innovation and economies of scale is crucial for the widespread adoption of hydrogen technology. Standardized certification frameworks and regulatory support are essential for market growth and infrastructure development. Hydrogen engines are recognized as carbon-neutral technology, making them a promising solution for a more sustainable future.
While specific information about the carbon capture technology used in the GR Corolla H2 concept is not readily available, it is clear that advancements in hydrogen technology and carbon capture are intertwined, paving the way for a greener future in motorsport and beyond.
- The global market for hydrogen engines, including the technology used in vehicles like the Toyota HiAce, is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 25.09 billion by 2034.
- In the realm of motorsport, ROOKIE Racing's innovative carbon capture technology, implemented in their 2023 Super Taikyu Series cars, harnesses the existing air intake and engine heat to capture carbon emissions.
- While the automotive industry and technology sector work towards developing hydrogen-powered engines, investments in low-emission hydrogen are expected to increase by about 70% in 2025, totaling nearly $8 billion.
- Beyond motorsport, collaborations like Airbus and MTU Aero Engines' hydrogen fuel cell propulsion project aim to decarbonize aviation, marking a step towards a more sustainable future in the transportation industry.
