Hydrogen Le Mans prototype takes another step forward
The MissionH24 project, led by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), is being pushed forward as a proof of concept for motorsport as the ACO and FIA edge closer to their target of introducing a ruleset that will enable manufacturers to compete with hydrogen-powered prototypes at Le Mans and in the World Endurance Championship by the end of the decade.
The ruleset is being put together in conjunction with prospective manufacturers, though no target date for the technical regulations to be finalized has yet been disclosed.
The H24EVO — the third-generation hydrogen prototype produced by MissionH24 — was presented to the public and media in show car form at Le Mans last year in June. Back then it incorporated a pair of tanks for gaseous hydrogen to power its 300kW Symbio fuel cell and in turn its 650 kW (872 hp) electric motor which drives the rear wheels.
Now, it will switch technology to match the FIA's shift in direction to liquid hydrogen as a future solution for motorsport applications. This change to the H24EVO will enable between 11 and 14kg of hydrogen to be stored at -253 degrees C (-487 F) in thermally insulated tanks and increase its driving range by 10-plus minutes to 'at least' 40.
The car's target weight remains at 1300 kg, but the planned top speed has increased to 211.3 mph to help reach the stated performance target of GT3 pace.
'After introducing gaseous hydrogen to the racetrack, MissionH24, with the H24EVO, is now embarking on a crucial new phase with a dual challenge: to engage liquid hydrogen in competition and to rival the competition from conventional combustion engines,' ACO President Pierre Fillon said at this week's 'Hyvolution Paris' exhibition. 'This mission is essential to achieve zero CO2 emission in motor racing.'
Along with the shift in storage technology, the timeline for the H24EVO has also been updated. The design of the car is set to be frozen from May 2025, ahead of a second appearance at the Hydrogen Village at Le Mans in June.
Later in the year, the car will undergo bench testing in October, before the ADESS-based prototype is fully assembled in February 2026 and track-tested in April.
Story originally appeared on Racer
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(Top photo of Tim Mayer and Lando Norris and Mohammed Ben Sulayem:, SIPA USA)
