5 auto brands look to expand fuel options for ICEs

Five automotive brands, namely, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Subaru Corporation (Subaru), Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda), and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Yamaha Motor) have jointly announced through a recent press release that they will take on the challenge of expanding fuel options through the use of internal combustion engines (ICEs) to achieve carbon neutrality.

Showcasing their efforts, the aforementioned companies have participated in the recently held three-hour Super Taikyu Race in Okayama last November 13 to 14.

The aim of their collaboration is to further expand options for producing, transporting, and using fuel. On that note, all five automotive brands unite to pursue three initiatives: participating in races using carbon-neutral fuels, exploring the use of hydrogen engines in two-wheeled and other vehicles, and continuing to race using hydrogen engines.

Participating in races using carbon-neutral fuels

Mazda took the first step in racing a carbon-neutral fuel-powered vehicle as it raced the Mazda Spirit Racing Bio concept Demio vehicle (in photo below) equipped with a 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D (diesel) engine that runs on 100 percent biomass-derived diesel fuel in the aforementioned three-hour Super Taikyu Race.

Toyota and Subaru will follow next year by racing in the same event using biomass-derived synthetic fuel.

Exploring the use of hydrogen engines in two-wheeled and other vehicles

On the other hand, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Yamaha Motor are considering the possibility of a joint research program for hydrogen engine development for possible use in two-wheeled vehicles.

According to Yamaha, there are plans to include Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Suzuki Motor Corporation in the research program. The four companies intend to jointly explore the possibility of achieving carbon neutrality through the use of internal combustion engines in two-wheeled vehicles.

Continuing to race using hydrogen engine

Meanwhile, the plan to continue racing vehicles that are powered by hydrogen engines will be headed by Toyota and Yamaha. Toyota plans to compete in the Super Taikyu Race in Okayama using a vehicle entered by Orc Rookie Racing, with Toyota President and CEO Akio Toyoda taking stints at the wheel in his “Morizo” driver persona.

For its part, Yamaha will design select engine components while providing support for engine prototyping, combustion considerations, power performance improvement, race homologation (type certification), and race endurance testing.

Denso is also involved in this initiative with roles placing the company in charge of the development of direct-injection injectors and spark plugs.

Toyota has also been working with companies and local governments to expand the options for producing, transporting, and using hydrogen. Below is a photo of the Fukuoka City hydrogen production facility.

 

In the next Super Taikyu Series race, Obayashi Corporation will be supplying hydrogen from geothermal power generation while Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc., will supply hydrogen from solar power generation.

At the same time, Fukuoka City will supply the race with hydrogen from sewage biogas while the town of Namie in Fukushima will supply hydrogen from solar power generation.

To expand the options for achieving carbon neutrality, and to contribute to the creation of a better society while protecting jobs and livelihoods, the five companies plan to continue to synergize their strengths, deepen their collaboration, and actively promote the generation of new colleagues across industries.

Photos from Yamaha

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