Japan has taken a step forward with hydrogen (after Toyota’s disappointment with ammonia). The goal is to smash the EV industry, which has yet to take off in Asia, with the sole exception of China and BYD. Now, however, three legendary manufacturers have taken a step forward and have already presented the world with the first “bioengine“. Yes, it sounds curious, but the secret is in the fuel it uses, which comes directly from “the atmosphere” and could be polluting it if it were not used in this way.
Japan has developed the first “bioengine” ever:
It could be the end of EVs and FCEVs worldwide Compact, high-performance engines for Japanese cars are in the pipeline of biomethane, derived from agricultural waste, an RNG. Technologically advanced, it is now a viable substitute for conventional fossil fuels and electric automobiles, which puts Japan on the map for green automobiles.
As reported, the big Japanese motor manufacturers such as Toyota, Suzuki and Nissan plan on designing the compact engines of the future with biomethane. These engines are designed to reach carbon neutrality, as biomethane has this capacity and is generated from organic waste such as animal feces and crop residue.
For instance,
Suzuki plans to bring its biomethane-fueled WagonR model to an auto show in Japan to be held soon. Currently, the company has been relying on close partnerships with local dairy farmers for procurement of the renewable fuel, which is then collected and converted into a usable form capable of running the vehicle’s engine.
This engine runs on a totally different fuel:
It comes from the atmosphere, but is a clean one The biomethane WagonR will be comparable in performance to those of regular gasoline-sourced cars, while at the same time greatly lowering the car’s emissions. Engines manufactured by the Japanese automakers for biomethane production have exhibited good performance features.
While field reports show that these new engines can be made to operate with thermal efficiencies of up to 45 percent, which is on par with the most efficient diesels presently on the market,This high efficiency is a plus since it leads to better fuel consumption as compared to its gasoline or diesel counterpart powertrains.
Also, the energy density of biomethane is stated to be the same as that of compressed natural gas, which can yield similar driving ranges. Initial trial runs regarding the viability of biomethane as fuel in the vehicles proved that these vehicles can cover a distance of more than 500 km with the biomethane fuel tank.
Future projects from Japan to develop the biomethane engine:
As for the Japanese automobile industry’s future prospects, they are envisioning expanding and practical applications of the biomethane engines. The Japanese carmaker Toyota, for instance, has expressed its intention of launching its first biomethane-powered car by 2026 and is aiming at the home and export markets.
Currently, the company is collaborating with various local biogas suppliers to guarantee an adequate supply of the green fuel.
Another player in the Japanese automotive market, Nissan, is also gearing up for biomethane engine innovation with rather intensive investment.
