11.52 million–that is what number of vehicles Toyota and its subsidiaries inbuilt 2023 when dozens of latest merchandise have been launched. Regardless of being the busiest automaker within the enterprise, the Japanese juggernaut nonetheless finds time to discover non-automotive fields. It has unexpectedly constructed what it claims to be the world’s first hydrogen-powered stone oven.
Toyota teamed up with Japanese gasoline equipment maker Rinnai to construct it for the Japan Mobility Present. The stone oven was used to serve guests not simply freshly baked pizzas but in addition croissants. That turned out to be a hit, particularly amongst youngsters. Toyota’s employees constructed the oven and is now utilizing it to make pizzas and croissants through the workday.
“Hydrogen has a excessive combustion temperature. Because it burns, it combines with oxygen to provide steam, making dishes crispy on the skin and succulent inside. For instance, take issues like mushrooms and greens. Whereas these components are inclined to dry out on a wooden or charcoal BBQ, hydrogen cooks extra shortly, leaving them bursting with moisture and scrumptious flavors.”
Inspired by the success it had with the hydrogen-powered stone oven, Toyota proceeded to construct extra hydrogen cookers. That’s how the hydrogen grille was born, and subsequently used at numerous Toyota-endorsed motorsport actions. Shortly after that, the corporate’s staff additionally constructed a kamado.
After Volkswagen’s currywurst sausage, Bentley’s honey, and Peugeot’s pepper grinders, right here comes Toyota’s hydrogen stone oven. Granted, you’ll be able to’t purchase it, however the subsequent time you are at a automobile present in Japan, you would possibly have the ability to eat a pizza or a croissant made in it.
Toyota’s hydrogen-powered griller
Toyota’s hydrogen-powered kamado
It is protected to say the corporate’s hydrogen efforts have been subpar when it comes to gross sales, with Toyota even admitting the Mirai has “not been profitable.” Even so, it is not giving up on this tech. Not solely is the Mirai nonetheless round, however the Crown sedan is obtainable in Japan with a hydrogen powertrain. As well as, engineers are exploring inner combustion engines that burn hydrogen by engaged on the GR Yaris H2 and GR Corolla H2 prototypes.
Then there’s the GR H2 Racing, an idea of a hydrogen-powered race automobile that may compete within the new Le Mans H2 class later this decade. Toyota has an ongoing partnership with BMW, which is among the many few automakers that suppose there’s a future within the automotive trade for hydrogen-fueled automobiles.