portable hydrogen cartridges by toyota can supply energy to cars and outdoor appliances

Toyota’s portable hydrogen cartridges at Japan Mobility Show

Toyota Motor Corporation exhibits its portable hydrogen cartridges at Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2024 in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Between October 15th and 18th, visitors can see first-hand how the hydrogen-fueled cartridge can power up applicable cars, outdoor and indoor appliances, and other fuel-cell-powered tools.

For the first time, the corporation showcases the reduced size and weight of the hydrogen cartridges after their preliminary design, so now they can be carried by hand or stashed in a backpack for an on-the-go hydropower. The shape of the cartridges resemble giant batteries with a handle on top of them for easy carrying. They seem handy too, as they can be put inside a travel-sized backpack, so the user can bring it anywhere they go.

all images courtesy of Toyota Motor Corporation

Cartridges that can fire up hydrogen-powered cooker

At Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2024, Toyota brings a hydrogen-powered cooker it has developed with Rinnai Corporation to show how their cartridges can supply electricity. It also hints at Toyota’s steps toward filling up fuel cells with hydrogen to generate energy, with water as a byproduct. The corporation also aims to demonstrate that hydrogen can also be directly burned in a process similar to how gas is burned in regular stoves or ovens, which may be a greener idea for hydropowered indoor and outdoor appliances.

Amidst these all, the corporation hopes to integrate the technology into their future products as a way to reduce carbon emissions. They plan to push it through by using renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, in the production process. In line with this, Toyota has also been experimenting with hydrogen-powered vehicles in motorsport, specifically with their Corolla model.

view of the portable hydrogen cartridges by Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota tests portable hydrogen cartridges in corolla

Back in 2021, they started racing their hydropowered model that used gaseous hydrogen as fuel. During the laps, the Corolla’s engine was powered by burning gas stored in the vehicle’s tanks, producing only water as it raced through. Since 2023, Toyota has shifted to using liquid hydrogen.

They are now racing with a GR Corolla that runs on liquid hydrogen. They find it more efficient since it is ‘denser’ than hydrogen gas, meaning more fuel can be stored in a smaller space. So far, no news yet on when and if the portable hydrogen cartridges are set to hit the market as well as their other uses.

they are reduced in size so it’s easier to carry and load