The Mission H24 project has unveiled details on a new prototype of their hydrogen-electric racer which aims to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the first ever zero-emission entry.

New images of the zero-emission hydrogen endurance racer has showcased a vastly different aerodynamic design language, as further technical details and future milestones have been outlined by H24.

It will utilise a 400 kW lithium battery, with the integration of a motor and drivetrain targeted at a maximum 872 hp output, plus two hydrogen fuel tanks which will collectively store 7.8 kg of hydrogen at 700 bars, for a total weight of around 100 kg.

The target weight will be 1300 kg and a top speed of 320 kph, on Michelin tyres, as the ongoing objective to match GT3 levels of pace remains.

President of the ACO and co-president of the H24 project, Pierre Fillon, said: “After introducing hydrogen to the racetrack, MissionH24 is now entering a new phase: bringing hydrogen to competitive racing.

“This new prototype clearly intends to rival the other forms of energy in the field. Hydrogen technology is safe, reliable and can perform.

“The ambition is now to provide the first zero-emission winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Jean-Michel Bouresche, president of the H24 project, added: “MissionH24 begins a new chapter today: the design, building and development of a brand- new electric-hydrogen prototype in association with our technical partners TotalEnergies, Michelin, Symbio and Plastic Omnium.

Both H24 drivers Norman Nato and Stephane Richelmi also shared their thoughts on the announcement.

“I’m delighted to reach a new milestone in the development of this hydrogen prototype, said Nato.

“I joined the project five years ago and the technology has progressed. Each stage is a new leap forward.

“This new prototype will, I am sure, be another big step. I can’t wait to drive it.”

Richelmi, who drove the outgoing version for a demonstration lap around La Sarthe prior to the Centenary Le Mans start, said: “I’ve been fortunate to play a part in MissionH24’s continual progress since I joined in early 2021.

“As a driver, it’s a great opportunity to develop electric-hydrogen technology in racing and assist this transition towards more sustainable forms of energy.

“This new prototype is evidence that hydrogen is indeed one of tomorrow’s mobility solutions.”

The project has undergone progression since its inception in 2018, including track outings in the Michelin Le Mans Cup – including all four events in 2022 – composed of GT3 and LMP3 cars.

The general design will be finalised in March 2024, followed by a mock-up for June 2024, which will be the month hosting the 101st edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

From October 2024, power unit assembly and bench-testing will take place for the drivetrain and motor components, as January 2025 will mark the car’s assembly and its maiden track tests.

In the meantime, H24 have said the name will be shared via their social media on 13 November.

Swiss firm GreenGT has been selected by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest as the sole powertrain supplier for the Hydrogen class, set to race at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The firm joins Red Bull Advanced Technologies and ORECA (chassis) and Plastic Omnium (fuel tanks) as the fourth official supplier for the new prototype category.

As part of the deal, GreenGT will supply the powertrain for each of the cars entered in the hydrogen category, including the battery, engine, and transmission.

Meanwhile, the fuel cell stack, which is at the core of hydrogen technology, will be open to development by the teams. That means that the teams will have the freedom to develop the fuel cell, power control hardware and software, compressors, and cooling system.

“Just over two years ago, the ACO and GreenGT launched MissionH24 with a view to introducing a hydrogen category at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Christophe Ricard.

“Today, we are proud to be joining prominent automotive experts Oreca, Red Bull Advanced Technologies and Plastic Omnium as supplier for the class. The challenge is great, as is our determination to meet it.”

Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. added: “The forthcoming hydrogen class is really taking shape. GreenGT was an obvious choice for us.

“We had already been working together for several years and the expertise we have built up thanks to the MissionH24 project will benefit the teams that enter the class.

“We know where we want to go, and with excellent companions to help us on the way, the ACO is determined to achieve the goal of making a real contribution to sustainable mobility.”

Red Bull Racing’s technological consultancy arm, Red Bull Advanced Technologies, will design and build a concept chassis for next-generation hydrogen-powered endurance racing cars, in partnership with French constructor Oreca.

The cars will be the spec chassis for the forthcoming hydrogen class at Le Mans, due to be introduced in 2024. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), has been experimenting with hydrogen-powered cars for a number of years, with the MissionH24 car due to debut in the Michelin Le Mans Cup in 2021, with a Le Mans race in the future also in the offing.

Oreca’s strength and knowledge of endurance racing racing, combined with Red Bull Advanced Technologies’ extensive experience in Formula 1 and aerodynamic, vehicle dynamics, simulation technology and energy recovery optimisation was enough to convince the ACO that the collaborative joint bid was the way to go.

Joining Red Bull Advanced Technologies and Oreca will be Plastic Omnium, with the French company securing the contract for exclusive supply of the hydrogen fuel tanks to be used by the cars.

Red Bull Advanced Technologies CEO Christian Horner said: “I am delighted that Red Bull Advanced Technologies have been chosen by the ACO along with our partners ORECA to develop the concept of a hydrogen powered endurance racing car for Le Mans. 

“Red Bull Advanced Technologies are well equipped to take on the challenge set by the ACO having access to many of the tools used to design and develop the Red Bull Racing F1 car, along with significant experience on other cutting edge vehicle programs. 

“The Hydrogen Class at Le Mans offers an exciting glimpse into the future of sustainable motorsport and promises both to advance the use of hydrogen in transportation, and also deliver exciting racing.”

Hugues de Chaunac, Groupe ORECA president added: “We are proud that the Automobile Club de l’Ouest has chosen us to work alongside Red Bull Advanced Technologies on this ambitious, forward-looking project. 

“And we are excited to be working with the other project partners, among them Plastic Omnium and Green GT. Collaboration is vital if we are to succeed in introducing a hydrogen class at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

“ORECA enjoys challenges and pioneering change and we can fully express our talents in such an engrossing enterprise. With the LMH and LMDh classes, endurance racing is entering a fascinating new era. From a technical and sporting point of view it will have us on the edge of our seats.”

Finally, ACO President Pierre Fillon commented: “This exciting announcement confirms the appeal of Mission H24 and offers a promising future for zero-carbon motor racing and hydrogen prototypes.

“Thanks to ORECA, a mainstay of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for many years, and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, a successful motorsport business, the ACO will benefit from extensive endurance racing experience combined with cutting-edge technology to guarantee outstanding performance in its hydrogen class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024. 

“This partnership confirms that the ACO has made the right decisions for the future of motorsport and underscores our ambition for zero-carbon racing for future generations. We’re delighted to welcome ORECA and Red Bull Advanced Technologies alongside Plastic Omnium, producer of the hydrogen class fuel tank. 

“Having these top-flight automotive firms on board is likely to draw even more interest from car manufacturers, especially those who regularly contribute to our hydrogen working group. We are living in difficult times but the ACO is resolutely pursuing its route towards zero-carbon racing and mobility.”