Akio's Communication to the "24H Team" Members: Crucial Information Prior to the Upcoming 24H Endurance Race Competition
**Toyota's Hydrogen-Powered Engine Takes Centre Stage in 24-Hour Endurance Races**
In a bold move towards a sustainable future, Toyota Motor Corporation is using motorsports as a platform to demonstrate the viability and performance of hydrogen combustion engines. Akio Toyoda, the company's President, views motorsports as a means to develop cars through the cycle of breaking and fixing, with the 24-hour endurance races serving as a practical and high-profile demonstration of hydrogen combustion technology.
Toyota's liquid hydrogen-powered Corolla has been competing in the Fuji 24 Hours race for five consecutive years, with significant progress and improvements in performance and reliability. In the 2025 race, the car completed 468 laps, surpassing its previous year's distance by 40%. This endurance testing under extreme conditions validates the maturity and viability of hydrogen combustion technology for real-world use.
By running a hydrogen internal combustion engine in competitive motorsport, Toyota is showcasing hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. This move symbolises a significant step towards carbon neutrality, positioning internal combustion engines as an "ally in achieving carbon neutrality" rather than solely focusing on electric vehicles.
Toyota's ongoing efforts include improving liquid hydrogen storage and refueling methods, addressing challenges critical for widespread adoption. The racing environment accelerates innovation in hydrogen fuel handling and engine systems, feeding back into consumer and industrial applications.
The endurance races serve as a proving ground that helps foster public and industry acceptance of hydrogen as a clean fuel. Toyota's presence in elite events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans with its hydrogen-powered prototype (GR LH2 Racing Concept) highlights the brand’s commitment to expanding hydrogen combustion technology beyond concept to competitive reality. This helps catalyse development of the broader hydrogen ecosystem, including fueling infrastructure and safety standards, essential for a hydrogen society.
Akio Toyoda, the driving force behind this initiative, believes that the 24-hour race is an "important collaborative step towards creating a hydrogen-based society". He wants the hydrogen-powered engine to have its unique tone, emphasising the sensory experience of motorsports. Akio Toyoda also hopes that the race will serve as a platform to demonstrate the safety of hydrogen technology.
The team involved in the race consists of drivers, engineers, mechanics, and hydrogen refueling staff from various organisations, including Toyota, Denso, ROOKIE Racing, Tom's Spirit, Toyota Customizing & Development (TCD), Iwatani Corporation, Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation, and Suzuki Shokan Corporation. Akio Toyoda plans to participate in the race to emphasise the safety message of hydrogen technology.
The event is part of an ongoing series focused on Toyota's efforts towards carbon neutrality. Team members gather for morning and end-of-day meetings, with President Akio Toyoda participating in both roles. The 24-hour race at Fuji Speedway this weekend involves "the people who make, transport and use hydrogen".
Akio Toyoda emphasised the importance of carbon neutrality over the sale of specific vehicle types (BEVs, FCEVs, or gasoline-powered cars). He believes that the industry should work together towards carbon neutrality, and that Japan should consider its unique energy circumstances when making decisions. His message at the end-of-day meeting emphasised the need to move beyond the framework of individual companies for a hydrogen-based society.
Toyota has been working on a hydrogen-powered engine for the past four years, and the engine to be used in the race has been developed over this period. The team for the race consists of professionals from various organisations, working together to create a sustainable future. Akio Toyoda hopes for a large turnout of spectators for the 24-hour race, as he believes that public support is crucial for the success of this initiative.
In summary, Toyota's 24-hour hydrogen racing initiatives are more than motorsports efforts. They are strategic R&D and advocacy platforms demonstrating hydrogen combustion engines as a credible, high-performance route toward carbon neutrality and a sustainable hydrogen-based future. The endurance format stresses reliability and operational readiness, validating hydrogen's potential both as a competitive racing fuel and a practical environmental solution.
- The race participants, including Toyota, Denso, and other organizations, are working to improve hydrogen storage and refueling methods to make hydrogen a viable alternative in transportation industry.
- Akio Toyoda's push to demonstrate hydrogen technology through motorsports, such as the 24-Hour Endurance Races, is a significant step in the finance sector, as it showcases hydrogen as a potential investment in clean energy technology.
- As Toyota continues to develop its hydrogen-powered engines for automotive use, advancements in this technology also impact the sports industry, as it provides athletes and sporting events with a more sustainable fuel option.
