Industries Join Forces at Suzuka Debut for Increasing Energy Varieties
Toyota Steps Up Decarbonization Efforts in Super Taikyu Series
Toyota is ramping up its commitment to a decarbonized society through participation in the Super Taikyu Series, a popular endurance racing series in Japan. The automotive giant, led by its new president Koji Sato, is using the platform to explore and showcase hydrogen-powered engines and alternative fuels such as synthetic fuels and biodiesel.
At a press conference held at Suzuka Circuit on March 18, President Sato outlined his reasons for continuing to take on this challenge. He strongly believes in demonstrating the importance of creating a future with diverse options for reaching carbon neutrality.
Toyota is entering its third season in the Super Taikyu Series ST-Q class, aiming to expand the options for a decarbonized society. The company is continuing to pursue new options for carbon-neutral fuels in addition to its hydrogen-powered engine.
The hydrogen-powered Corolla, which Toyota has been competing with since 2021, emits no carbon dioxide during combustion, releasing only water. This season, the Corolla team is switching from gaseous to liquid hydrogen for higher energy density.
In the Super Taikyu Series, different companies are trialing new forms of energy, including hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and biodiesel. Toyota has integrated synthetic fuels and biodiesel alongside hydrogen in the series, demonstrating diversified approaches to reduce CO2 emissions in motorsport.
Automotive component makers are also using the Super Taikyu race to develop parts that contribute to sustainability and carbon neutrality. Toyota works collaboratively with suppliers and infrastructure companies to advance hydrogen storage and refueling technology, addressing challenges like hydrogen boil-off and storage pressure compatibility.
The Super Taikyu Series serves as a proving ground to accelerate hydrogen engine technology and alternative fuels, driving technological advancements, and raising awareness of hydrogen and sustainable fuels through motorsports. Last season, a heated rivalry existed between the #28 Toyota GR86 and #61 Subaru BRZ, both of which used synthetic fuels.
President Sato emphasizes the importance of working closely with like-minded partners who share the same passion and purpose for carbon neutrality. Nine more companies have joined the partnership since the end of the 2022 season, bringing the total number of partners to 39.
Mazda's Spirit Racing Mazda3 Bio concept will race on a bio-based diesel fuel made from microalgae fats and used cooking oil. President Sato's resolve to continue honing the hydrogen-powered engine is driven by the belief that if the options don't exist, it's up to them to make them.
Considering the entire energy supply chain is more crucial than automotive technology for achieving a decarbonized society, according to President Sato. He believes that the Super Taikyu Series is a platform for wide-ranging efforts aimed at advancing automotive technologies toward mass production. The enemy for Toyota in this series is carbon, not the internal combustion engine.
[1] Toyota Global Website - https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/37737944.html [2] Toyota Europe Website - https://www.toyota-europe.com/media/news/toyota-announces-new-partners-for-super-taikyu-series-efforts/ [3] Nikkiso website - https://www.nikkiso.com/en/news/2022/10/120351.html [4] WestAir Energy website - https://www.westairenergy.com/news/toyota-motorsport-to-utilize-westair-hydrogen-refueling-technology-in-super-taikyu-series/
- With Toyota's commitment to a decarbonized society, the renewable-energy industry is seeing increased finance investments, as the automotive giant explores diverse options for carbon neutrality, including hydrogen-powered engines, synthetic fuels, and biodiesel, in the Super Taikyu Series.
- In the quest for carbon neutrality, Toyota is not only focusing on advanced automotive technology but also on the entire energy supply chain, with finance flowing to various partners involved in renewable-energy projects, such as hydrogen storage and refueling technology, to advance towards a decarbonized society.
