Bosch Engineering and Ligier Automotive have taken their hydrogen-powered demonstrator vehicle to the next level in preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The companies have been conducting intensive tests to optimize the drive concept and showcase the potential of clean energy technologies in motorsport.
Hydrogen Engine Achieves High Performance and Robustness
The 3.0-l biturbo hydrogen engine in the demonstrator vehicle has achieved a power output of 443 kW, a torque of 650 Nm, and excellent transient response. Testing has ensured the robustness and long-term performance of the hydrogen systems under extreme conditions.
The vehicle reached a top speed of over 280 km/h and completed more than 5,000 test kilometers on the racetrack, equivalent to the race distance covered by winning teams at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Dr. Johannes-Jörg Rüger, President of Bosch Engineering GmbH, stated, “The results show that our hydrogen concept could meet the extreme requirements of a long-distance race and provide an excellent development basis for future use in racing cars and high-performance sports cars.”
Liquid Hydrogen Concept Studies Underway
Bosch Engineering and Ligier Automotive are expanding their development expertise with liquid hydrogen technology, which offers higher storage density compared to gaseous hydrogen. The companies have produced initial concept studies to integrate liquid hydrogen systems into vehicles.
World Premiere at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
The Ligier JS2 RH2, the hydrogen-powered demonstrator vehicle, will make its world premiere at the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans:
- The vehicle will participate in a demo lap reserved for hydrogen-powered racing cars.
- It will run alongside other manufacturers committed to the deployment of hydrogen in motorsport.
- Jacques Nicolet, President of Ligier Automotive, expressed his pride in being part of the first manufacturers to see their hydrogen-powered car run on the iconic Le Mans track.
- Nicolet stated, “We are fully focused on integrating new energies into the automotive industry, and this demonstration lap shows that motorsport is an incredible research laboratory to develop and test new technologies.”
The Ligier JS2 RH2 will be displayed in the Hydrogen Village throughout the Le Mans 24H week, showcasing the sustainable future of motorsport and the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
