Japanese automaker Toyota has unveiled the concept of the world's first hydrogen-heated sauna. The project was developed in cooperation with the Finnish company Harvia, one of the world's largest manufacturers of bath equipment. The public presentation will take place at the end of July as part of Rally Finland, one of the key stages of the World Rally Championship.
According to the developers, the heating element of the sauna runs on hydrogen, releasing only heat and water in the process, completely eliminating carbon dioxide emissions. This approach allows you to create not only a functional, but also an environmentally friendly space for recreation. As Toyota emphasizes, hydrogen is perfectly combined with the sauna philosophy — a place of physical and mental cleansing.
"We want to show that hydrogen energy is applicable not only in transport, but also in everyday life," the company's representatives noted. However, the launch of mass production is not yet considered: the project remains experimental and is intended to demonstrate the potential of the technology rather.
The choice of Finland for the demonstration is not accidental. With a population of about 5.5 million people, the country has about 3.3 million saunas — one of the highest rates in the world per capita. Thus, the audience of the event has a unique cultural connection with the presented product.
This project is not Toyota's first attempt to explore the domestic use of hydrogen. In the fall of 2024, the company introduced modular hydrogen cartridges designed for both vehicles and home use. The new development adds to a series of initiatives aimed at popularizing hydrogen energy and finding its practical application outside the automotive industry.