Toyota reveals hydrogen-fueled and electric-powered AE86 Corolla Concepts

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Japanese auto giant Toyota has taken heavy fire over the last few years for being against the rush to go all-electric. However, its current interests do lie in alternative sources of power and to demonstrate how serious they are about different mobility options, the company revealed two of the most outstanding concepts ever in these fully refurbished AE86 Corolla hatchbacks.

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In Toyota’s opinion, a gradual transition between the internal combustion engine and all-electric vehicles is more sustainable. This approach would serve Toyota well as it remains the global hybrid powertrain Kings. Even so, the company has launched its first EV, with difficulty, in the bZ4x. Their multi-layered approach also includes the hydrogen-fueled Mirai but, let’s be frank, neither has a chance of creating excitement about the technologies used. The two AE86 Corolla hatchbacks, however, might change that.

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As electrifying as these two concepts are, the powertrain swaps are not quite ready for tuning shops and do-it-yourselfers. Toyota’s point is that, should the day come that we must all go carbon-neutral, car lovers and enthusiasts will have options for their beloved automobiles. The kits probably won’t be cheap, but we can’t really think of a better car than the AE86 to serve as a platform to showcase the possibilities.

The iconic pop-up headlight AE86 Trueno H2 Concept is especially nostalgia-inducing as its fuel cell feeds a 4A-GE 1.6-litre four-cylinder that’s been converted to run on hydrogen. Toyota, more specifically Gazoo Racing, has acquired plenty of expertise in the matter, thanks to its involvement in the Super Taikyu Series with its hydrogen-powered GR Corolla race cars.

The AE86 Levin BEV Concept forgoes all forms of combustible liquids and gases in favour of electrons. Toyota had to be creative with this car as keeping its weight down was a priority. This is why it features an array of components, namely a Tundra hybrid’s electric motor, a battery from a Prius Prime, and Lexus technology and engineering to make it all work.

Final thought: The Levin is dope but the Trueno’s pop-up headlights will get us every time.