A buggy powered by a hydrogen-fuelled motorcycle engine will contest the 2024 running of the Dakar Rally, which will be held in Saudi Arabia from January 5 to 19. The vehicle in question, known as the HySE-X1 is being entered by the HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology) research association in the Mission 1000 Challenge category. That category is part of the Dakar Future Programme, which aims to encourage car manufacturers to develop next-generation carbon-neutral powertrain technologies including hydrogen engines and electric or biofuel hybrids.
HySE says, “[we have] been researching small hydrogen engines and we plan to continue doing so alongside our partner companies, working together to carry out research toward implementing and popularising small hydrogen engines for light four-wheeled vehicles, small boats, construction machinery, drones, etc.”
The HySE-X1buggy uses an established chassis built by Overdrive Racing in Belgium, which has a modified layout to accommodate a hydrogen fuel tank and fuel supply system. Powering it is the hydrogen-fuelled motorcycle engine that HySE is currently using in its research activities. This is a liquid cooled, supercharged I4 four stroke with four valves per cylinder and a displacement of 998 cc. It powers a vehicle that will weigh in at around 1500 kg.
HySE adds that the HySE-X1, “will be driven in some of the harshest environmental conditions in what is considered the world's toughest motorsport, providing an excellent opportunity to study how the hydrogen engine will perform in such conditions. This will allow us to easily identify potential issues with small mobility that are yet unknown, and to accelerate the establishment of baseline hydrogen engine technology.”
HySE members are Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Toyota and Yamaha. Its chairman is Kenji Komatsu, who is also executive officer, Yamaha. He adds, “Our main reason for participating [in the Dakar] is to give us the chance to communicate the results of our research in a way that’s easy to understand. Also, by participating in the event, we can identify potential issues and refine our technology to solve the technical themes required for the establishment of hydrogen small mobilities as soon as possible. We hope everyone will look for us there and cheer us on!”