Hydrogen Fuel and the Future of Endurance Racing: A Technical Overview
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) is steering towards hydrogen as the zero-emissions fuel of the future for the Le Mans series and broader endurance racing. However, the timeline for this transition remains unclear.
Hydrogen offers compelling advantages—it can be utilized in both fuel cells and internal combustion engines, evidenced by Alpine’s Alpenglow concept and Toyota’s GR Corolla Super Taikyu vehicles. Crucially, its combustion produces zero CO2 emissions while matching or surpassing the performance of traditional gasoline engines.
However, significant challenges loom. Hydrogen’s energy density is a primary concern; one kilogram of hydrogen contains 120-140 megajoules (MJ) of energy but requires about 14 liters for storage in liquid form. In contrast, gasoline, presenting a more compact solution, requires only 1.4 liters per kilogram. This disparity is compounded by the need to store liquid hydrogen at temperatures of -253°C and the high-pressure alternative, which, despite advances, offers lower energy density (5.6 MJ/L).
For context, a standard LMP2 car utilizes a 75-liter fuel tank, accommodating approximately 54 kg of gasoline equating to around 2,700 MJ of energy. In contrast, liquid hydrogen would require 280 liters for similar energy output, posing a logistical hurdle for vehicle design.
The ACO appears inclined towards liquid hydrogen as its storage method, although handling complexities remain unresolved. Toyota’s experience with its Corolla highlights issues with fuel pump durability due to extreme cold and hydrogen’s low lubricating properties.
To safely integrate hydrogen into motorsport, new pit lane infrastructure and comprehensive gas leak detection systems will be essential. The discussion surrounding hydrogen’s sustainability is also critical, as a large proportion of hydrogen is still derived from fossil fuels through processes that emit CO2.
Alternatives such as synthetic fuels, made from carbon captured from the atmosphere and paired with renewable energy, present a potentially more straightforward solution. Unlike hydrogen, synthetic fuels leverage existing ICE technology and infrastructure, ultimately leading to lower adoption costs and a faster route towards decarbonization in racing.
As the motorsports industry grapples with the future of sustainable fuels, both hydrogen and synthetic alternatives depend on the availability of renewable energy. While hydrogen could play a role in transport decarbonization, its practicality in racing may diminish as other solutions emerge.
The ACO’s commitment to hydrogen signifies a pivotal moment in endurance racing, but the complexities associated with this transition prompt a re-evaluation of alternatives that may provide quicker, more efficient pathways to sustainability.
Upcoming Events: The PMW Expo, a key industry gathering, will be held in Cologne on November 12-13, 2025. Register your interest to explore the latest in motorsports technology and sustainability strategies.
