Honda CEO says Toyota’s hydrogen engine not feasible: Report

Toyota is exploring the use of hydrogen as fuel for its internal combustion engines, but fellow Japanese automaker Honda claims that the idea is best left shelved, questioning its feasibility. 

Honda is skeptical of its rival Toyota's efforts at making hydrogen fuel more mainstream

“We have conducted research into every possibility that’s out there,” said Honda Motor Company CEO Toshihiro Mibe in an interview with Automotive News. “As for hydrogen engines, we see some quite difficult technological challenges. So, about 10 years ago, we decided this would not become mainstream.”

“If we look at what will become mainstream, probably for smaller mobility it will be EVs, and fuel cells for larger mobility,” he added. 

However, Honda agrees with Toyota’s position that hydrogen fuel cell technology is part of a more holistic solution in reducing emissions, instead of just relying on battery electric vehicles. “(Honda) continues to view fuel cell technology as another pillar supporting the challenge toward carbon neutrality, with the expectation that hydrogen will become more widely accepted as a renewable energy source,” it said.  

Honda plans to introduce 10 new EVs in the next five years

One drawback cited in the use of hydrogen fuel is its faster burn rate compared to gasoline, requiring more frequent fuel stops. At the 2021 Super Taikyu 24-hour endurance race in Japan, Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Corolla Cross needed a total of 35 pit stops for refueling, compared with around 20 for its competitors. 

Another disadvantage is the large fuel tanks required to hold hydrogen fuel, compromising legroom. BMW and Mazda have reportedly failed in their attempts to harness hydrogen fuel for combustion, although the latter is rumored to be working on a hydrogen-powered rotary engine. 

Sales of the Mirai hydrogen FCEV have been lackluster in the U.S. since its debut in 2015

Both Toyota and Honda have dabbled in using hydrogen for automotive propulsion, albeit in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). While Toyota’s Mirai FCEV is already on its second generation, sales have been disappointing in the North American market since the model’s debut in 2015. 

Meanwhile, Honda’s own Clarity FCEV lasted two generations, even expanding to include battery electric and plug-in hybrid versions, before being discontinued in 2021. Lease deals on the hydrogen fuel cell variant are still offered to U.S. customers until 2022. 

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