Toyota has been a pioneer in sustainable technology since the inception of the hybrid vehicle into the market decades ago. Most recently, the Japanese company will be showcasing a series of technological developments in hydrogen energy at Japan Mobility Bizweek, a technology show that will take place at the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba Prefecture.
As the industry looks to new sources of renewable energy, the talk about hydrogen has become more prevalent - this may seem a long time away from reaching the auto care industry - automakers have been crafting this technology since the early 90’s. Aside from the Liquid hydrogen-powered GR Corolla that will be present at the show, Toyota will also expose their latest innovation in hydrogen, the portable hydrogen cartridge. Hydrogen is the ultimate clean energy that emits no CO2 during use. In addition, CO2 emissions can also be minimized during the production process when renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are used. Hydrogen has a dual function, as it can generate electricity in a fuel cell, while at the same time be used as a combustible fuel source.
The cartridge was originally a part of Toyota’s mobility technology subsidiary, Woven. This arm of Toyota produced the first prototype in 2022, without knowing if the automaker would allow production and development to continue past the first prototype – which they did. The current product on display at the Japanese technology exposition is much smaller and lighter, and Toyota claims that its development corresponds to the technology used for reducing the size and weight of hydrogen tanks in electric vehicles. This technological innovation could mean the end of the lengthy EV charging process. The cartridge is intended to be a direct plug-in to the vehicles charging port and would eliminate the need to find a charging system and wait out the charging timing.
