Not so long ago, we exclusively linked hydrogen cars with EVs like the Toyota Mirai. However, things changed when Toyota announced an innovative powertrain consisting of an internal combustion engine running on hydrogen. This is more than just an announcement as cars have already been tested, including the Corolla and the smaller Yaris supermini. Both have a three-cylinder, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine sourced from the GR Yaris.
It seems Toyota isn’t the only automaker experimenting with this type of powertrain. Renault is teasing a new concept car equipped with a “hydrogen engine.” The use of the word “engine” tells us that the shadow vehicle seen here does not have an electric motor, but an ICE that uses hydrogen instead of gasoline or diesel. The company with the diamond logo goes on to say it’s an “unprecedented concept car,” which further leads us to believe it’s not a typical fuel cell hydrogen vehicle.
The sleek LED headlights and illuminated logo make us think of the Megane E-Tech Electric, but with much larger daytime running lights where you’d usually find the air inlet. To no one’s surprise, it appears to be a crossover. The side camera is no longer just a concept feature as there are several production cars that omit the rearview mirror. In fact, it was only a few days ago when Hyundai revealed plans to introduce digital mirrors in Europe for the Ioniq 5 later this year.
Renault has kept details about the concept a secret, but we know the full reveal is slated to take place sometime in May. When the packaging is about to be opened, be prepared to see “in-cab technology innovation” for the safety of the people in the cabin.
