Efforts to reduce carbon emissions are extending beyond consumer automobiles to the competitive world of racing.
Formula 1 has already committed to eradicating carbon emissions by 2026 through a transition to carbon-neutral synthetic fuels, commonly known as efuels.
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The governing body for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), is similarly intent on eliminating CO2 emissions but is exploring a different avenue: hydrogen fuel. The club plans to integrate this technology into racing by 2026.
Earlier this month, the ACO disclosed a conceptual design for a hydrogen-electric sports prototype vehicle, engineered in collaboration with the H24Project consortium. This consortium enjoys the support of industry stakeholders, including the French energy conglomerate Total Energies. Known as MissionH24, the prototype aims for a total weight of approximately 1,300 kg (around 2,866 pounds) and a maximum speed of 199 mph.
Nature of Hydrogen-Electric Vehicles
A hydrogen-electric vehicle essentially operates as an electric vehicle (EV) but derives its power from a hydrogen fuel cell rather than a traditional battery. The fuel cell merges hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen, generating electricity in a nearly emission-free manner. While this technology is being considered for implementation in the commercial trucking industry, the ACO aims to demonstrate its viability for competitive racing as well.
Technical Specifications of MissionH24
The MissionH24 vehicle features a singular electric motor with an output of 871 horsepower, which drives the rear wheels. Dual hydrogen tanks are positioned at the vehicle’s rear, supplying a centrally located fuel cell. The generated electricity not only powers the motor but also recharges a compact lithium-ion battery weighing under 180 pounds. This battery provides additional power to the motor during periods of high demand.
Project Timeline
The assembly and subsequent testing of the MissionH24 powertrain are slated to commence next October, with full vehicle assembly and track trials anticipated in early 2025.
Additional Hydrogen Initiatives
The ACO is also exploring the possibility of utilizing internal combustion engines that are powered by hydrogen. Such engines produce no CO2 emissions but do emit nitrogen oxides, which can be mitigated through urea-based selective catalytic reduction technology similar to that used in contemporary diesel engines.
Leading Le Mans competitor Toyota introduced its hydrogen-powered sports prototype vehicle in June, while Alpine, another Le Mans participant, released its hydrogen engine concept vehicle last year. Additionally, Porsche, the most victorious automaker in Le Mans history, has confirmed that it is in the process of developing a hydrogen engine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MissionH24
What is the MissionH24 project?
The MissionH24 project is a hydrogen-electric sports prototype racing vehicle developed by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) in collaboration with the H24Project consortium. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions in automotive racing and is set for integration by 2026.
Who are the key players involved in the MissionH24 project?
The key players include the ACO and the H24Project consortium, which is backed by industry stakeholders including the French energy conglomerate Total Energies.
How does the hydrogen-electric vehicle work?
The hydrogen-electric vehicle operates essentially as an electric vehicle but is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell instead of a battery. The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen from the air to generate electricity in an almost emission-free process.
What are the technical specifications of the MissionH24 vehicle?
The vehicle is equipped with a single electric motor with an output of 871 horsepower, which drives the rear wheels. It also features dual hydrogen tanks at the rear that supply a centrally located fuel cell. A compact lithium-ion battery weighing less than 180 pounds provides additional power during high-load situations.
When is the MissionH24 scheduled for testing and release?
Assembly and testing of the MissionH24 powertrain are slated to begin in October of the following year, with full vehicle assembly and track trials expected to follow in early 2025.
Are there other initiatives in the racing industry for reducing CO2 emissions?
Yes, Formula 1 has committed to eradicating carbon emissions by 2026 through a transition to carbon-neutral synthetic fuels, commonly known as efuels.
Are other companies or competitors also working on hydrogen-powered racing vehicles?
Yes, leading Le Mans competitor Toyota introduced its hydrogen-powered sports prototype vehicle in June, and Alpine released its hydrogen engine concept vehicle last year. Porsche, a historically successful competitor in Le Mans, is also in the process of developing a hydrogen engine.
What challenges does hydrogen technology face in racing?
While hydrogen combustion produces zero CO2 emissions, it does emit nitrogen oxides that require treatment through urea-based selective catalytic reduction technology, similar to what is used in modern diesel engines.
What is the targeted weight and top speed for the MissionH24?
The prototype aims for a total weight of approximately 1,300 kg (around 2,866 pounds) and a maximum speed of 199 mph.
More about MissionH24
- MissionH24 Official Website
- Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) Official Announcement
- Overview of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
- Formula 1’s Carbon-Neutral Initiatives
- Total Energies Corporate Involvement in Hydrogen Energy
- Toyota’s Hydrogen-Powered Prototype
- Alpine’s Hydrogen Engine Concept
- Porsche’s Hydrogen Initiatives in Racing
- Urea-Based Selective Catalytic Reduction Technology Overview
9 comments
Good to see efforts in reducing carbon footprints are moving into sports too. But still, they’ve got a long way to go.
i’m not much of a car person, but even I can see this is big news. Will keep an eye on how this develops.
The specs are crazy! 871 hp from a hydrogen-electric vehicle? That’s massive. Very curious about how this will turn out.
Hydrogen-powered Porsches and Toyotas in the future? Sign me up. This is the sort of innovation we need.
finally, someone’s taking the carbon emission issue seriously in the racing world. it’s high time, honestly.
Hydrogen in Le Mans? Wow, can’t wait to see this in action. If it’s as good as they say, this’ll change the whole game.
The urea-based treatment for nitrogen oxides sounds like a practical approach, but what about the infrastructure to support all this? Hydrogen refilling stations aren’t exactly common.
Interesting, but what’s the cost of all this? hydrogen tech ain’t cheap, y’know.
Wow, MissionH24 sounds like a game changer! Can’t believe they’re pushing hydrogen this far in racing.