We experience what it’s like to go ‘Beyond Zero’ with the Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept 

Back in 2009, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) pioneered the entry of electrified mobility in the country by introducing the first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in its lineup–the Toyota Prius, with more HEV and battery electric vehicles (BEV) models brought into the local market through the years, under both Toyota and Lexus brands. 

Now, the Japanese automaker wants to take it a step further by launching its Beyond Zero movement at the sidelines of the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

The company is emphasizing with this movement its multi-pathway approach to mass and accessible vehicle electrification for different types of customers. The company also presented its diverse range and respective uses of electrified vehicles (xEVs), including HEVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEV), BEVs, fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV), and even internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that are powered by carbon-neutral fuels and hydrogen (H₂).

With this, TMP gave us a glimpse into the potential of H₂ technology by showcasing the Toyota Corolla Cross H₂ Concept, a prototype vehicle powered by a Hydrogen-fueled Internal Combustion Engine. We also got an exclusive chance to experience how the said concept drives and a demonstration of H₂ gas fueling infrastructure.

The Toyota Corolla Cross H₂ Concept

Again, TMP gave us the opportunity to experience firsthand what their technology has to offer with the Toyota Corolla Cross H₂ Concept.

While at first glance it may look like any other Corolla Cross that we see on the road today with the addition of a special livery, it’s what’s underneath the skin that really matters as powering the Corolla Cross H₂ Concept is a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder G16E-GTS combustion engine, mated to an 8-speed direct shift automatic transmission, and is fueled by hydrogen instead of gasoline. 

This uses the combination of hydrogen direct-injection technology that is used in motorsports as well as space-saving techniques from a production vehicle. The former is from the GR Corolla H₂ Race Car while the latter is from the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. 

The space-saving techniques in particular allows this concept to provide the capacity to accommodate five people (including the driver), as well as their luggage, despite the unique powertrain setup. 

Two hydrogen tanks are fitted to the vehicle. One is placed underneath the cargo floor and another under the seats, ensuring uninterrupted cargo loading capacity and passenger space. Another benefit of this setup is that we get to keep the combustion engine with the benefit of less of those harmful emissions. Everyone knows that pure ICE-powered vehicles are still superior to electrified vehicles when it comes to overall driving performance. 

The activity started with a demonstration of filling-up the vehicle with hydrogen which is as simple as what is done at your usual gas stations. It takes an estimated five minutes to fill-up from empty.

And now for the big question, how does it drive?

First, just to get it out there, the concept vehicle is in right-hand drive as it is designed in Japan. This meant that we were limited to a closed course and not able to take it out on public roads as that would be illegal. Also, we were only allowed to experience the vehicle as passengers.

Anyway, you’ll be pleased to know that it feels pretty much like any other gas-powered vehicle on the road and that’s a good thing because many people remain skeptical of new kinds of technology when it comes to how a vehicle drives or is driven.

The only real difference is what you’ll find inside the tanks, and the tech behind it which will probably be a bit too complicated to explain. 

Oh, and in case you’re curious–a 0 to 100 kph test returned a result of around 10 seconds with four adults inside the vehicle. Right now, hydrogen tank capacity and consumption is still unavailable.

What we’ll want to know now is if this is still the case once we are able to experience it on actual roads. Perhaps TMP may find itself with a left-hand drive demo unit in the future. By then, we’ll be able to give you a more detailed opinion for sure.

And like when Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda said “no more boring cars!”, this is truly a step in that direction as with this piece of technology, Toyota can go forward making better and more environmentally-friendly vehicles through their carbon neutral initiatives with a touch of fun from motorsports.