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Seeking not to eliminate combustion engines, while COP26 was taking place, Akio Toyoda tested his Toyota hydrogen cars, which in the next decade will receive investments of R$ 73,6 billion
While several countries were discussing solutions at COP26 in Glasgow, Toyota President Akio Toyoda was in Japan testing hydrogen cars. There is still no launch date for commercial models, as Toyota still needs to first reconcile price, operating cost and range to compete with gasoline models. However, according to Akio Toyoda, the Corolla Sport can save millions of jobs in the automotive sector and also reduce CO2 emissions.
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Toyota owner promises that R$ 73,6 billion will be invested in hydrogen cars in the next decade
The objective is, in 2025, to have 15 models of hydrogen and electric cars available, and also to invest BRL 73,6 billion in the next decade for the production of batteries to be expanded. Akio Toyoda, however, explains that the focus is not just on one technology.
According to the executive, the enemy is CO2, not internal combustion engines. It is not necessary to focus only on one technology, but also to make good use of existing technologies.
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“Carbon neutrality is not having just one option, but keeping all options open”, highlighted the businessman. Toyota's latest foray into hydrogen cars comes amid the race for the electric sector and CO2 reduction, a subject much discussed at COP26. Although the number of electric cars on the road is still small, global registrations of electric vehicles increased by 41% in the last year, according to the International Energy Agency.
Automakers sign declaration against fossil fuels at COP26
During COP26, six major vehicle manufacturers, including Ford Motor, General Motors, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz, signed a declaration to end the use of fossil fuels in their models by 2040.
Toyota has refused to join the group, arguing that much of the world is not ready for the switch to electric and supports the use of hydrogen cars. Another automaker that refused at COP26 was the German Volkswagen.
According to Shigeru Hayakawa, vice president of Toyota, the company does not plan to be seen as an electric car manufacturer, but rather as a CO2 neutral company.
Difficulties of hydrogen cars
In the case of hydrogen cars, defended by Akio Toyoda, one of the main obstacles is that the engine is not completely carbon free, and therefore, the model cannot be classified as a “zero emission” vehicle.
Although the by-product of the combustion of oxygen and hydrogen is water, a small amount of metal is also burned by the engine, resulting in 2% of the emissions of a fossil fuel engine. The exhaust also has traces of nitrogen oxide. Another mission is that there is a CO2 value in the production of electric car batteries, however electric cars do not pollute when they are used.
In addition, hydrogen cars also require large pressurized tanks for their “power source”, which can decrease rear seat or trunk space.
