Mission H24’s latest hydrogen-powered prototype unveiled at Le Mans
Mission H24 has taken the wraps off its latest hydrogen fuel cell car, the H24EVO, during an unveiling at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
It’s a full-scale model of the car previously teased back in October 2023, and it looks every bit as brilliant as those initial renders promised.
Aside from the looks, the new H24EVO represents quite the advancement in technology compered to Mission H24’s previous iterations, the LMP2HG and the H24 which competed in four Le Mans Cup rounds in 2022.
The goal for Mission H24 is to develop hydrogen as a relevant fuel for use in motorsport. The ACO has already confirmed it will open up the Le Mans 24 Hours to hydrogen-powered entries from 2027, and cars like this one will be expected to appear on the grid from as early as 2028.
Jean-Michel Bouresche, CEO of H24Project and co-president of MissionH24 said: “Our aim is to make the H24EVO the first FIA homologated electric-hydrogen prototype, with a level of performance equivalent to the best GT3s.”
Considering the progress that has already been made with the H24EVO, there’s every chance these cars will be pushing towards Hypercar levels of performance within the next three or four years. Power output has nearly doubled, to 884PS (650kW) compared the 476 (350kW) output of the previous-generation H24. The car’s weight has also been reduced from 1,480kg to 1,300kg.
Built on a monocoque chassis provided by German constructor ADESS, the H24 comprises two tanks holding 7.8kg of hydrogen to feed the fuel cell and charge a 400kW battery which then powers the motor.
Although this launch is but a scale model, the real thing is scheduled to run for the first time in early 2025.
“The H24 was a landmark car in the MissionH24 program, as it was the first electric hydrogen prototype to compete in endurance racing, in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, linking the finish line at each of its engagements,” said Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and co-president of MissionH24.
“The H24EVO marks a new stage for MissionH24: fielding a hydrogen-electric prototype capable of competing alongside conventional combustion-powered cars. Hydrogen won’t be on the track, it’ll be competing on it.”
If the evidence of the H24EVO is anything to go by, the future of endurance racing looks to be in safe hands.
Images courtesy of Alexis Goure ACO.
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