ACO Reveals Hydrogen-Powered H24 EVO at Le Mans

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has taken the covers off the latest iteration of its MissionH24 hydrogen concept, known as the H24 EVO.

Revealed on Wednesday ahead of the start of official practice for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the latest iteration of the ACO’s in-house hydrogen fuel cell racer is based upon concept drawings that were revealed last October.

It comes as the ACO pushes on with plans to integrate hydrogen-powered machinery in the French endurance classic, with 2027 currently given as the planned start date for a new category utilizing the technology.

Both fuel cell-based and hydrogen combustion-based solutions are set to be part of the new class.

The H24 EVO is based on a ADESS chassis “with an LMP-type structure”, and uses a fuel cell, generating 300kW (402 hp). A single high-performance electric motor with a maximum power of 650kW (872 hp) drives the rear wheels.

Two tanks storing 7.8 kg of hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bar, weighing around 100 kg, are installed, designed to give a continuous driving time of 25 to 30 minutes.

Vector Sport LMP2 racer Stephane Richelmi remains on board as test driver, now joined by ex-Audi DTM and GT3 racer Adrien Tambay.

ACO President Pierre Fillon commented: “The H24 was a landmark car in the MissionH24 program since it was the first hydrogen electric prototype to race in Endurance competition, in Michelin Le Mans Cup, linking the finish to each of its engagements.

“The H24 EVO demonstrates a new step for MissionH24: aligning a hydrogen electric prototype capable of competing with conventional thermal cars. Hydrogen will not be on the track, it will compete on the track.”

The ACO is expected to reveal further plans for the integration of hydrogen-powered cars at Le Mans during its annual press conference on Friday.