The world's first hydrogen-powered car fueled by "liquid hydrogen" is competing in a car race in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The use of liquid hydrogen fuel increases the cruising distance by about twice that of gaseous hydrogen.
The 24-hour endurance race is being held at the Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture over the next 28 days, and a hydrogen engine car fueled by "liquid hydrogen" developed by Toyota is competing.
Compared to gaseous hydrogen, liquid hydrogen has a higher energy density, which increases the cruising distance by about twice.
Chairman Akio Toyoda was also a driver in the race and drove the car around the course with a loud engine noise.
Toyota had originally planned to enter a "liquid hydrogen" hydrogen engine car in a race held in Mie Prefecture in March of this year, but a fire broke out during a test run due to a hydrogen leak, and the car was forced to withdraw from the race.
In response to this incident, the company has taken measures to improve safety, such as separating hydrogen pipes from hot areas and attaching covers to the joints of the pipes.
At a press conference held on site, President Tsuneji Sato said, "The motorsports field is the ultimate stage for training technology and people, and it is very important to develop technology that will contribute to carbon neutrality in the future. We have overcome various challenges and are coming to today's actual competition, so I hope you can see how we are taking on the challenge".