Since it launched the revolutionary Prius in 1997, Toyota has been a leader in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which paved the way for the current electric vehicle craze. However, in spite of its roots, the Japanese brand has been hesitant to jump headfirst into the all-electric trend. Toyota's first 100-percent EV, the awkwardly named BZ4X, has sold only a few hundred units as of mid-October, and the Japanese carmaker doesn't plan to ramp up production until 2025. Toyota's slowness in adopting all-electric vehicles was reinforced by the company's president, Akio Toyoda.

As the Wall Street Journal reports, "People involved in the auto industry are largely a silent majority," Toyoda said. "That silent majority is wondering whether EVs are really OK to have as a single option. But they think it's the trend, so they can't speak out loudly. Because the right answer is still unclear, we shouldn't limit ourselves to just one option."

Although that sentiment is controversial, it merits consideration. All-electrics amount to only a fraction of the total new car market, which leaves the market open for another kind of vehicle, which is the direction Toyota has chosen. Let's take a closer look at this type of engine, the hydrogen combustion engine, and see why Toyota executives think it can potentially make EVs obsolete.

Updated October 19, 2023: With Toyota quickly developing hydrogen vehicles across its global production line, there are pros and cons to the technology. This post has been expanded to reflect that, as well as insight into what the future could be for hydrogen/fuel-cell manufacturing. Toyota could be onto something very big.

Information for this article has been sourced Toyota primarily and from credible publications like Kelley Blue Book.

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1 Introducing The Corolla Cross H2 Concept

  • The Corolla Cross H2 Concept has been introduced, likely to come to market in the next few years.

The Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept uses a new prototype hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (abbreviated "ICE") car called the Corolla Cross H2 Concept. Power comes from the hot 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder used in the GR Corolla and GR Yaris, converted to using Hydrogen as a fuel. To begin with, thick, armored fuel tank(s) are required for holding the highly flammable hydrogen technology that Toyota gleaned from its FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), the Mirai. The engine gets hardened valves and valve seats, stronger connecting rods, and fuel injectors designed for gas, not liquid. Like a standard Corolla, the Cross H2 Concept has room for five passengers and their luggage.

2 A Large Hydrogen Powered V-8 Is In The Works

A prototype Toyota/Yamaha Hydrogen V8 Engine sits on an engine stand.
Yamaha
  • Toyota has partnered with Yamaha Motor to develop a hydrogen-powered V-8 engine.

In exciting news to gearheads everywhere, Toyota has partnered with Yamaha Motor to develop a hydrogen-fueled V-8 engine. In an announcement earlier this year, Yamaha said the 5.0-liter V-8 would be based on the one used by the Lexus RC Coupe, with modifications to its cylinder heads and fuel injectors, among other things. Yamaha claims it'll produce 455 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 398 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. That's a bit less power than the original gasoline V-8 that it's based on, but still quite respectable. But the most stunning feature of the hydrogen V-8 has to be the eight-into-one top-mounted exhaust manifold, which Yamaha claims creates a distinct high-frequency sound.

3 Hydrogen Powered Cars Are Quickly And Easily Refueled

Shell Hydrogen Station
Rob Crandall / Shutterstock
  • Refueling a hydrogen vehicle is much faster than charging an EV.

You have to admit that even though filling up your gas-powered ICE vehicle may not be the highlight of your day, it is not rocket science. Filling up a hydrogen-powered car is just as easy but does not take nearly as long to accomplish because it is a gas rather than a liquid. If you have ever had a propane tank filled (not traded out for a new one), you understand how fast the process will be. In fact, the new Toyota Yaris GRH2 only takes a minute and a half to fill completely full of Hydrogen, which is much faster than it would take to fill the tank on a Toyota Camry with unleaded.

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4 Hydrogen Has A Broad Climate Adaptability

Hydrogen Storage Tanks In Frigid Temperatures
DLR German Aerospace Center via Wikimedia Commons
  • Hydrogen can withstand down to -435 degrees, making it one of the more climate-adaptable.

Diesel fuel has long been used in vehicles that need to be used for hauling and towing excessive loads, but they can freeze in areas where the temperatures drop down into the negative double digits. Thankfully, unleaded fuel can withstand temperatures of up to -100 degrees Fahrenheit which can happen with some cold windchill factors. Lithium batteries can withstand up to -140 degrees Fahrenheit before they start to freeze up, which can still occur occasionally. Hydrogen can withstand -435 degrees Fahrenheit, which shows it is the best choice in cold temperatures worldwide. The same holds true when comparing the hot end of the spectrum: Hydrogen has a much broader climate adaptability than the other two options currently available.

5 Hydrogen Fuel Systems Avoid Material Scarcity Problems

Akio Toyoda at the Thailand 60th anniversary
Toyota
  • Because lithium batteries can be challenging to produce, hydrogen could make for the perfect alternative.

Lithium batteries are not made out of materials that can easily be produced. In fact, many people, such as the CEO of Toyota (former CEO Akio Toyoda), see a shortage of lithium and battery-grade nickel, which means that there will be a lack of materials needed to produce the lithium batteries used in EVs. That could create a major setback in the move towards electric vehicles, which could be avoided by using hydrogen-powered engines if they are engineered to maximize their full potential.

6 Hydrogen Driven Engines Sound And Respond Like Fuel Driven Engines

  • Hydrogen vehicles can give the same rumble as gas-powered cars.

Sound is one of the biggest complaints you may have with EV cars and trucks. If you have ever driven an old classic muscle car, such as a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS with a big block 454 or a 1969 Ford Mustang with a 428 Cobra Jet, nothing can compare with the excitement as you press the accelerator to the floor. The sound as the carbs open up and the fuel rushes into the chambers, power rushes through your chest as soon as the horsepower hits the drivetrain, and adrenaline hits in full as the car launches. EVs cannot give that to you, but a hydrogen-powered car can because it works in the same general way.

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7 Hydrogen Engines Are Completely Mechanical

  • Hydrogen-powered vehicles still heavily rely on mechanics: they're better for that industry's health long term.

Small local mechanic shops can be found on almost every corner across the country, but as EVs become more popular with consumers, those small garages will no longer be an option for you. They may be able to go online, watch a few YouTube videos, and figure out how to repair your electric engine. Still, it is highly suggested that you take it to a registered mechanic familiar with the new technology. The great thing about hydrogen-powered engines is that since they are so similar to fuel-powered engines, they are entirely mechanical. That means that those small corner shops that you are comfortable taking your vehicles to will be able to work on them.

8 This Technology Has A Checkered Past

Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen Tank Safety illustration
Hyundai
  • The concept of hydrogen-powered vehicles has been around for decades, with BMW being one of the first major automakers to try creating a model using this build.

The concept of powering an internal combustion engine with Hydrogen is not new. Most notably, German automaker BMW produced the 750HL in 2002, followed by the Hydrogen 7 in 2005. The Hydrogen 7 was based on BMW's traditional gasoline-powered 6.0-liter V-12 but with modifications to burn Hydrogen and gasoline. That technically made it a dual-fuel engine and only 100 total were produced. Some downsides to Hydrogen are that it's highly flammable, difficult to process and store, and the combustion process emits nitrous oxide.

9 EVs Are Not Without Fault Either

Gray 2023 Toyota Prius Prime
Toyota
  • Electric vehicles still use energy to charge, with some countries regulating them more severely.

As opposed to almost all the other automakers who are betting everything on electric cars, Toyota's approach to carbon neutrality is more diversified, evaluating multiple technologies to achieve the goal of zero emissions. This ethos seems increasingly prescient when considering that with the war in Ukraine and its impact on energy supplies, European countries are looking for ways to cut energy use. In fact, Switzerland has gone so far as to encourage EV drivers to only use their cars for urgent needs like going to work or the grocery store - and it could be codified into law.

10 The 2023 Mirai Is Making Headlines

Silver 2023 Toyota Mirai
Toyota
  • Toyota has released its hydrogen-powered vehicle: Mirai.

With Toyota investing heavily in hydrogen power, we're seeing more models come to market using it as a power source. For example, the 2023 Mirai is hydrogen-powered and has already started rolling off production, hitting dealerships, and being driven by people throughout California and has been sold in Europe. Hydrogen-powered cars are still very new to the scene, but demand continues to grow for them. That said, worldwide, Toyota sold 1,674 Mirai vehicles in the first five months of this year — a 13.3 percent fall on the same period in 2022. More people feel safe in an EV (for now), so this will require re-education of markets where hydrogen is sold.

Many believe your next vehicle should be hydrogen-powered, but it's not enough.

11 Toyota Is Placing Huge Bets On Hydrogen At Its U.S. Plants

Toyota Battery Manufacturing Plant in North Carolina
Toyota Pressroom
  • Toyota has dedicated various US facilities to testing and perfecting hydrogen-powered cars.

With Toyota rapidly moving in the EV, PHEV, and hydrogen direction, it's worth noting that some of its U.S. factories will see fuel cell batteries manufactured inside of them. According to a press release from Toyota, a dedicated line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) will begin assembling integrated dual fuel cell (FC) modules destined for use in hydrogen-powered, heavy-duty commercial trucks. This is likely to spread to other US and global facilities as Toyota ramps up hydrogen production.

12 Hydrogen Vehicles Won't Explode Or Catch Fire As Easily As Lithium-Ion Batteries

Toyota's Current Lithium-Ion Battery in a factory.
Toyota
  • Hydrogen has been deemed safe for car manufacturing by Toyota, as well as many independent studies.

One of the top safety concerns with hydrogen energy being used at the commercial level has been the risk of explosion. Some experts claim a hydrogen explosion resembles more of a bomb than a typical spark and fire, which has caused people to be wary. However, compared to the frequency of lithium-ion overheating or reacting poorly to environmental conditions, hydrogen (when handled correctly) hydrogen can be a safer, less reactive energy source. It's also worth noting that Hydrogen gas itself is 200 times lighter for the same amount of energy as lithium batteries. Hydrogen stores even more energy than gasoline, so it can be a vital source of energy for even large-scale consumption.

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13 Hydrogen Means Your Car Will Last Longer

2023 Toyota Hilux Hydrogen prototype, profile view
Toyota
  • Hydrogen vehicles tend to break down less than gas or electric cars.

Mixed with Toyota's engineering and ability to produce fuel cell technology at a mass scale, we could easily see hydrogen vehicles breaking down less and requiring fewer trips for maintenance. Although hydrogen cars are powered by electric motors, they won't be solely focusing on charging, battery health, and eventual degradation. The same comparison can be made to ICE, with regular engines eventually breaking down and failing. Hydrogen, although currently difficult to work with, can become simplified with enough testing and investment from brands like Toyota.

The fuel cell stacks are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, about 150,000–200,000 miles. Once your hydrogen car dies or you're done with it, the fuel cell will be disassembled and the materials recycled, similar to what happens with vehicle components today.

There are currently 10+ hydrogen cars in the works, so it appears to be a race to the finish line for auto manufacturers.

14 Toyota Has Joined Forces With Other Investors In Its Race To Perfect Hydrogen Combustion Engines

Toyota hydrogen fuel cell powertrain
Toyota
  • Toyota has joined the Hydrogen Council, investing money into a $5 billion dollar initiative to bring this energy to the masses by the next decade.

As part of creating and perfecting hydrogen combustion engines, Toyota has seen investors interested in the concept. The emergence of the Hydrogen Council, a global consortium comprised of top executives from prominent companies in the fuel, energy, manufacturing, and mining sectors, underscores the growing importance of hydrogen. Members of the council, such as Air Liquide, Alstom, BMW, Daimler, Shell, and Toyota, have collectively committed $5 billion for hydrogen-related investments over the next five years. Their objective is to streamline and accelerate hydrogen investments across various industries into the next decade. Toyota has the time, money, and power to do this.

15 For Now, Hydrogen Toyota's Will Mainly Be Produced For Chinese And European Markets

2023 Toyota Hilux Hydrogen prototype, under-hood view
Toyota
  • Toyota hopes to sell 200,000 hydrogen vehicles in Europe and China by 2030.

Although we have seen the Mirai pop up in California in the US, Toyota's main focus for hydrogen vehicles remains in China and Europe. Per the company, it will focus on rolling out hydrogen-powered vehicles in Europe and China with the aim of selling 200,000 units by 2030. This is a massive goal to set for such a new technology for the Japanese brand, but they're known to push the limits. Hydrogen-powered vehicles have done better in European and Chinese markets, and they are soon to become widely available to consumers. The United States won't see many for a few years if current projections hold true.