As the iconic Le Mans endurance race commemorates its centenary, the Hydrogen Village has emerged as a platform for the general public to explore zero-emission racing cars and mobility applications of the future. With surprises in store throughout the week, the Hydrogen Village is set to captivate attendees with its innovative showcase.
Inaugurated by the President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), Pierre Fillon, and attended by officials from the FIA, the Hydrogen Village places MissionH24 in the spotlight. Developed in collaboration with GreenGT, MissionH24 is a racing vehicle that lays the groundwork for the hydrogen category planned for 2026. It competes in races as part of the Michelin Cup. The vehicle can be observed within the village, as well as at the stands of project partners Michelin and TotalEnergies. Before the start of the 24-hour race on Saturday, the racing version of MissionH24 will also complete a lap of honor. The vehicle serves as a showcase for fuel cell technology and hydrogen storage.
The H2 village also provides an opportunity to (re)discover the Alpine Alpenglow, a hydrogen-powered vehicle with a combustion engine. Building on this technology, the GCK group, involved in car racing, energy, and retrofitting, has unveiled a GT model that operates on the same principle. Hydrogen replaces gasoline as the fuel source for the 6.2L V8 engine, which is supercharged by a mechanical compressor and generates 450 kW (612 hp) at 6500 rpm and a torque of 700 Nm at 4500 rpm. Hydrogen is stored in tanks supplied by Faurecia. The car is expected to participate in races starting in 2024.
Moreover, Ligier, in collaboration with Bosch Engineering, will reveal a hydrogen-powered racing car outside the village but within the 24-hour Le Mans race. The car features a hydrogen combustion engine. On Friday, a mysterious covered hydrogen racing car, representing a manufacturer likely to be Japanese, will also be unveiled, providing further intrigue and anticipation.
The Hydrogen Village is not solely dedicated to racing vehicles. Visitors can admire the Mirai, Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell car (including a remarkable sports version). Additionally, Toyota is presenting a hydrogen-powered bus under the Caetano brand. A Citroën utility vehicle is also on display. Plastic Omnium, an equipment manufacturer, showcases its vision of hydrogen-powered mobility, spanning from cars to trains and trucks. The introduction of a new refueling station in Le Mans this summer reinforces the viability of hydrogen as a fuel source. The station will cater to buses, garbage trucks, and passing vehicles, with future plans to include taxis.
The Hydrogen Village at Le Mans demonstrates the synergy between competition on the racetrack, where both fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine technologies are permitted, and real-world road applications. It offers a glimpse into a future where zero-emission racing cars and hydrogen-powered mobility solutions can coexist and contribute to a sustainable and cleaner transportation ecosystem.
