Kawasaki Motors Corp. cooperates with Toyota Motor Corp. The partnership was carried out for the development of a hydrogen engine. While moving forward with the commercialization of green vehicles, Toyota aims to share data and concerns with the motorcycle industry. According to the world's largest automaker, this is a move that is believed to accelerate the development of hydrogen engines for vehicles.
Toyota has been one of the most pro-active manufacturers with regard to the development of future sustainable alternatives to ICE, including hybrid and electric technologies. And now manufacturers are also forging ahead with innovations in hydrogen power.
While Kawasaki stands out from its competitors for investing in hydrogen technology. It has emphasized its commitment by joining forces with Toyota to pool resources and develop hydrogen engines for future motorcycles.
The deal with Toyota offered Kawasaki many advantages. At least the giant car company is already at a more advanced stage of innovation in the hydrogen field. It has been done since about 30 years ago, thus accelerating development. One example is the Toyota Mirai. The world's first commercially available dedicated hydrogen fuel cell car, of which more than 2,600 units were sold globally.
The deal came earlier this month when Toyota President Akio Toyoda rode a hydrogen Kawasaki ATV at the Mobility Resort Motegi circuit. The hydrogen engine installed is actually for motorcycles and has been developed by Kawasaki Motors Corp - a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd which is in charge of the motorcycle division. The company develops engines in collaboration with Toyota, Denso Corp and other companies.
Read Also :
Smart Automotive Tips to Save Money on Car Repairs in America
Beginner’s Guide to Car Ownership in the United States
Top Automotive Tips to Extend Your Car’s Lifespan in the USA
Essential Car Maintenance Tips Every U.S. Driver Should Know
"There should be various options for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. I hope the government will support output with technological innovations like this, rather than stopping us with regulation," Toyoda told reporters at the event.
Kawasaki's hydrogen engine is a modified version of the Ninja H2 engine. The company has installed its units in four-wheeled vehicles sold by motorcycle manufacturers in North America and other markets. Other parts and components are the same as those used in the hydrogen-powered Toyota Corolla.
Kawasaki said its company joined the project after being encouraged by Akio Toyoda to work together beyond the boundaries of motorcycles and cars. The design process began in earnest in December 2022.
The company intends to use the technology for motorcycle decarbonization together with Suzuki Motor Corp, Honda Motor Co and Yamaha Motor Co, and other major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers.
Hydrogen Technology
A hydrogen engine burns water instead of gasoline, and no CO2 is emitted except for burning engine oil. Unlike a fuel cell vehicle, it uses electricity generated from hydrogen to drive a motor. The basic structure of hydrogen-engined vehicles is the same as that of gas-powered cars, so Japanese manufacturers can apply the parts and technology they already have.
Toyota's hydrogen-engined vehicle completed the five-hour endurance race held at Motegi from September 3 to 4, 2021. One year has passed since entering the race last May, and vehicle output has surpassed that of gasoline-powered vehicles in the same class year.
“The landscape has definitely changed over the last year. There were difficulties, but now it's clear what we need to do," Toyota Operations Officer Koji Sato told reporters on Sept. 4.
To increase mileage, Toyota is also working on technology to use hydrogen in liquid form rather than gas, as is the case today. The volume of liquid hydrogen is 1/800 of the gas, creating the possibility of loading the tank with more fuel.
Although temperature control and other issues persist, trials of vehicles equipped with the system have been carried out on track, with the aim of participating in the races before the end of the year.
Comments
Post a Comment