At the renowned Le Mans racetrack and in the famed Race Village, which will welcome a large audience of spectators this year, as well as at the city’s exposition center, hydrogen mobility will be on everyone’s lips this week.
As part of its hydrogen strategy, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest is looking at some highly practical uses in order to achieve sustainable, zero-carbon racing and driving and to succeed in the energy transition.
This week, for example, you can see hydrogen on the track with MissionH24, hear how it’s discussed at the Le Mans H2 Symposium, learn about the technology at the dedicated ACO H2 Zero-Emissions site, and hear the European Commission’s Representation in France speak about energy, and hear all about Victorien Erussard’s hydrogen-powered boat experience.
H stands for hypercar and hydrogen
H stands for Hypercar, which will be the premier class in the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans, but it also stands for the hydrogen. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest, which is strongly involved in the roll-out of this technology, has made this it’s core topic. From June 7 to 12, Hydrogen will create headlines with track news and events for innovation watchers and younger racers.
Location of ACO H2 Zero-Emissions
On Tuesday, June 7th, the ACO H2 Zero-Emissions site, which will focus on racing and hydrogen mobility, will open. The Race Village’s two gigantic bubbles clearly identify this facility, which is located in the center of the village. Inside, you’ll discover a variety of entertaining and educational materials, as well as presentations on our partners and their areas of expertise, as well as the LMPH2G, MissionH24’s first hydrogen-electric test car. Several schools come to see the exhibits and learn about hydrogen technology. From Tuesday through Sunday, the ACO H2 Zero-Emissions facility is open (Wednesday, Thursday, from 11:00 AM to midnight, Friday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to midnight, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4 p.m.).
Symposium on H2
On Wednesday, the ACO will attend an H2 symposium hosted by the City of Le Mans, with whom the ACO is working on a number of hydrogen initiatives, including a filling station at the airport that will power one of the city’s bus routes. Several roundtable discussions will be held throughout the conference, including one on motorsport and the gains that may be made via racing.
First time at Le Mans
A hydrogen-electric prototype will compete on the legendary 13,626 km circuit for the first time at Le Mans. The H24, which had its racing debut at Imola just a few weeks ago, will be put to the test in free practice on Wednesday, ahead of the two races on Thursday and Saturday. The prototype will refuel in the 24 Hours pitlane at a TotalEnergies-designed mobile hydrogen station.
Strategy of action
Wednesday will be a busy day, as the European Commission’s Representation in France will give a presentation at the ACO H2 Zero-Emissions site outlining its Action Plan for Europe’s Energy Sovereignty and Energy Union.
At Le Mans, he won his maiden race
The H24 will start its first-ever race at Le Mans on Thursday, in the inaugural round of the Road To Le Mans. It will acquire large quantities of valuable data as a “Innovative car” entry while still competing in the traditional ICE-powered race.
Exchanging hydrogen mobility knowledge
Captain Victorien Erussard of the Energy Observer will be in Le Mans on Friday to discuss his hydrogen mobility experience at sea with Bernard Niclot, head of innovation at MissionH24. Join them at the ACO H2 Zero-Emission facility at 3:15 p.m. Finally, at 3:42 p.m. on Saturday, the H24 will line up in front of the 62 entries for a lap of honor before the start of the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the Hypercars and its drivers clearly in the lead.
