Toyota Hydrogen ICE Discussion

AuHavrePro · 2023-05-07T06:34:57Z

Explore the debate around Toyota's hydrogen ICE technology. WatchProSite community discusses efficiency, production methods, and infrastructure challenges.

AuHavrePro's original post ignited a robust discussion on the viability of Toyota's hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) technology. This article delves into the community's perspectives on hydrogen as a future powertrain, contrasting its potential with the established trajectory of battery electric vehicles. It explores the nuances of hydrogen production, infrastructure challenges, and the broader implications for sustainable automotive solutions.

Key Points from the Discussion

Hydrogen combustion and fuel cells are more suitable for applications requiring high energy density, such as aviation, long-haul trucking, and potentially auto racing, where current battery technology is insufficient.
The energy required to produce a unit of hydrogen often exceeds the energy needed to power a car the same distance on electricity, making it less efficient for personal vehicles. Furthermore, a significant portion of hydrogen production relies on fossil fuels, leading to considerable emissions.
The vast majority of the world's hydrogen is produced from splitting methane or natural gas, a highly polluting process, rather than from water as often perceived.
For hydrogen cars to be viable, a completely new infrastructure for fuel distribution, including modified gas stations, specialized tankers, and amplified manufacturing, would be necessary, posing a significant challenge compared to the ubiquitous electrical outlets for EVs.
There are multiple forms of hydrogen, including 'green hydrogen' derived from renewable sources like electrolysis, solar panel production, dry reforming, and even rust, which could offer a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-based production.
While battery electric cars have initial production emissions, these are typically offset around the 4-5 year mark with an annual driving of 20,000 km, according to current scientific understanding.

The Discussion

AuHavrePro

May 7, 2023

Much better solution than EVs in my opinion. (that is of course battery electricity derived EVs)

Mary Anny

May 7, 2023

I'm very curious and, unfortunately, I need to buy a new car soon!

patrick_y

May 7, 2023

Kind of like how the Swiss Watch Industry wants people to think that a watch movement is made by an old man who works on it for days - it's simply not true. Cara Barrett an editor at Hodinkee, even claimed a Rolex takes a year to make - it's simply not true. The auto and oil industry have brainwashed the public into thinking that hydrogen fuel is made from water. But this is actually less than 10% of how the world's hydrogen is made. The vast majority of hydrogen is made from splitting the molec

myles721

May 7, 2023

energy (solar, wind as ancillary) that exists. EV cars are always cleaner even if they are fed by fossil fuel plants. 🤷🏻‍♂️

myles721

May 7, 2023

I would say that the world has a vested interest in utilizing the resources. China is making a lot of batteries (as is the USA) but only a fool fights in a burning house. Cooperation seems to be the only way to put out the fire. I’m sure future improvements like fusion will be the ultimate answer but for now this is all we have so we need to make it work. Now I’m heading off to the boat to start up two large gas gulping Mercruiser engines…😏

BigFatPauli

May 7, 2023

Toyota has said that they can not compete with EV makers like Tesla - They are just too far behind. This feels like a pivot to try and change the game but I can't see it as playing out well for Toyota. For example, a big reason people don't like the idea of an EV is the "lack of charging station", though, they are actually pretty abundant. Not to mention literally any plug will charge an EV and electrical outlets could not be more ubiquitous. For hydrogen cars to be viable, a whole new network o

Key Points from the Discussion

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