HySE's Hydrogen-powered Buggy achieves 4th place in Dakar 2024 race class! What ambitious future does HySE aim to forge? (Part 1)
In the scorching deserts of Saudi Arabia, the Dakar Rally, known for its grueling terrain and extreme conditions, played host to a groundbreaking moment in the quest for carbon neutrality. HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology), a technical research association, entered the rally with their hydrogen-powered buggy, the HySE-X1, and made a significant impact.
Established by six companies – Kawasaki Motors, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha Motor, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Toyota – HySE debuted in 2024 with a mission to develop next-generation powertrains. This includes hydrogen-powered engines, BEVs, hybrid cars fueled by biofuels, and more, all with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality.
The Dakar Rally, a 1000-kilometer rally spanning over ten days and covering desert, swampland, and mountain terrain, presented a challenging test for the HySE-X1. Vice Chairman Yoshimoto Matsuda of HySE believed that setting an unreasonable goal could guide research and development, and joining the Dakar 2024 was a good idea for HySE.
The HySE-X1, based on the 998cc inline four-cylinder supercharged motorcycle engine used in Kawasaki's Ninja H2, proved its mettle over the initial stages of the rally. It successfully reached key checkpoints, demonstrating the viability of hydrogen propulsion for long-distance endurance rallying.
HySE's participation in the rally served as a strategic technological push towards reducing carbon emissions in off-road motorsport. It aligned with efforts by other manufacturers and racing series to integrate low-carbon technologies in competition, acting as both a technological testbed and a platform to raise public awareness about alternative fuels and sustainable mobility.
The response to HySE's entry was greater than imagined, and the directors became more confident that the hydrogen-powered engine could be fully competent in such a tough race. Completing the rally produced far more data than expected, providing valuable insights for future developments.
Hidenori Saka, Director of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology Office, supports HySE's Dakar Rally project as a way to increase public awareness of hydrogen and expand its use in mobility. He believes that the Dakar Rally offers an exciting platform for spreading hydrogen as an energy source throughout society.
HySE's goal for the Dakar Rally was to help the world know more about the possibilities of hydrogen-powered engines and build partnerships. Chairman Kenji Komatsu expressed his hope that the rally would serve as a stepping stone towards a carbon-neutral future, powered by hydrogen.
The success of HySE in the Dakar Rally earned shared enthusiasm from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), which supported the Dakar 2024 challenge. HySE presented its work at the 51st Tokyo Motorcycle Show in March 2023, showcasing its commitment to advancing hydrogen-powered small mobility and engine technology.
In conclusion, HySE's participation in the Dakar 2024 rally marked a significant step forward in the development and validation of hydrogen-powered vehicles under extreme conditions. It serves as a testament to Japan's leadership in internal combustion engine technology and its efforts to preserve it by using hydrogen as a fuel without generating CO2, a crucial step towards a carbon-neutral society.
Sports and technology intertwined in an unprecedented demonstration during the Dakar Rally, as hydrogen-powered vehicles sought to make their mark in the world of racing. HySE's hydrogen-fueled buggy, the HySE-X1, took on the grueling terrain of the rally, aligning with the mission of the Dakar Rally and pushing the boundaries of racing technology.
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