Yamaha has become another Japanese automaker keen to reprise the technology of ICE powertrains fired by hydrogen.

It is developing a high-performance hydrogen engine under commission from longtime partner Toyota. Lexus has already released a concept off-road sports vehicle using the same zero emission technology.

The new engine is a 5.0-liter V8 engine for automobiles that is fueled entirely by hydrogen. In Japan, Toyota and other automotive-related companies are about to begin a collaborative effort to expand the range of fuel options for internal combustion engines. The unit is based on the gasoline engine in the Lexus RC F luxury sport coupe, with modifications made to the injectors, cylinder heads, intake manifold, and more, and delivers up to 446bhp at 6,800 rpm and a maximum 331ft-lbs of torque of at 3,600 rpm.

Yamaha Motor began developing a hydrogen engine for automobiles about five years ago. President Yoshihiro Hidaka, said: “We are working toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. At the same time, ‘Motor’ is in our company name and we accordingly have a strong passion for and level of commitment to the internal combustion engine.”

In November last year, the five companies of Kawasaki, Subaru, Toyota, Mazda and Yamaha jointly announced they would begin discussions for conducting collaborative research into possible avenues for expanding the range of fuel options for internal combustion engines in the quest for carbon neutrality.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_