Snapshot
- The Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept underpins the future of powertrain choices.
- The Mirai uses a GR Corolla engine with hydrogen tech.
- Subtle design tweaks and manual transmission reveals?
Toyota is once again showing that it wants to offer a choice of powertrains with the Corolla Cross H2 Concept.
The small SUV packs the same 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine used in the Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch (due in Australia next year) and pairs it with a high-pressure hydrogen tank borrowed from the Mirai.
For context, the Mirai can store 141-litres of hydrogen, has a 1.2kWh lithium-ion battery, and a rear electric motor that produces 134kW of power and 300Nm of torque with a 1900kg curb weight. It can travel up to 650 km from a full tank on the WLTP testing cycle.
9
The result is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) Corolla Cross that can still seat five people and have room for luggage. Toyota will soon begin winter testing in northern Japan.
Interestingly, the concept also shows design details, including horizontal LED daytime running lights at the top of the headlight cluster (instead of in the middle); a crossbar running across the grill; revised lower bumper with fog lights; more unique alloy wheels than before; Citroen-like bumps on the side skirts; silver roof rails; And smoked taillights.
We haven’t seen these in Australian or Japanese-spec versions of the Corolla Cross.
The images also show a manual gear shifter, likely a holdover from the GR Corolla.
9
Toyota says the Corolla Cross H2 concept is about 40 percent “on the way to commercialization” and argues that hydrogen combustion could take advantage of existing internal combustion engine technologies, offer faster refueling times, and limit May reduce the need to use materials such as lithium and nickel.
The concept was unveiled as part of the Japanese automaker’s commitment to become carbon neutral in Europe by 2040, introducing six pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) under the bZ nameplate by 2026. .
In Australia, Toyota is currently selling the Mirai FCEV to commercial customers and is expected to release the bZ4X SUV as its first BEV next year.
9
“When we talk about being carbon neutral, many people say we only have to use battery-powered vehicles because they don’t emit CO2 – but the truth is, it’s not that simple,” Toyota said. Vice President of Australia. Sales and Marketing Sean Henley said The wheels last year.
“BEVs or battery electric vehicles are only part of the solution.
“[But] Australia is a big country. We have different customer needs and our success is based on providing high quality durable and reliable vehicles to every corner of the country.
“Ultimately, it’s the market that will make the decision, and our goal is to provide options to support those choices.”