Toyota Develops Engine to Extract Carbon from Atmosphere

GR Corolla Prototype: Toyota’s Air Filter System Tested for Hydrogen-Burning Engine Performance

Toyota is making a commendable endeavor to preserve the internal combustion engine by developing innovative technology. The company has been conducting trials on a filtration system capable of trapping carbon dioxide from the air. However, it still has a considerable distance to cover before becoming suitable for widespread manufacturing.

Toyota has equipped its hydrogen combustion engine, which is currently being trialed in the GR Corolla race car, with advanced technology. This system functions by trapping carbon dioxide and converting it into a liquid using the engine’s natural heat, without any need for extra power.The Japanese automaker has successfully implemented this innovative filter system on their cutting-edge engine, which is undergoing rigorous testing in the high-performance GR Corolla. By harnessing the engine’s own heat, the system is able to capture and store carbon dioxide without drawing on any additional energy sources.Through this groundbreaking technology, Toyota is able to reduce harmful emissions and promote a more sustainable form of transportation. The integration of this filtration system on their hydrogen combustion engine is a significant step towards a greener future. Furthermore, the use of the engine’s inherent heat showcases Toyota’s commitment to maximizing efficiency and minimizing its environmental impact.

Unfortunately, it will be quite some time before this technology is available for your future Prius or Tacoma. The filter has a low capacity for collecting carbon and requires frequent replacement. Even after completing 20 laps, the race car only managed to filter out a mere 20 grams of carbon dioxide, which is a relatively small amount. To put things in perspective, a gasoline-powered vehicle can emit up to 8,900 grams of CO2 per gallon of fuel consumed. This demonstrates the limited effectiveness of the current filter.

In a surprising move, Toyota has diverged from the current industry trend by announcing a “major engine development project” this month, despite its competitors’ heavy focus on battery-electric vehicles. According to chairman Akio Toyoda, the Japanese automaker is not as quick to fully invest in EVs, instead predicting a slower adoption rate and lower market penetration. Toyota is taking a more comprehensive approach to achieving carbon neutrality.

Toyota is confident that gasoline engines, hybrids, and fuel-cell vehicles will remain in existence. Along with other automobile companies, they are also pursuing hydrogen-powered engines that are almost completely carbon-free. The incorporation of a filter in these engines would render them carbon-negative, and Toyota claims that this technology could also be applied to gasoline engines.

Sources: Automotive News, Toyota Times