With hydrogen fuel firmly on the cards for the WEC in future, May’s running of the Spa Six Hours will see Alipne’s Alpenglow concept car take to the track for the first time in public to run demonstration laps alongside the MissionH24 prototype.
Whereas the MissionH24 car runs a hydrogen fuel cell and electric powertrain, the Alpenglow instead relies on a V8 ICE burning H2 . However, further details of the Alpine’s engine and fuel system remain sparse.
Hydrogen fuel cell prototype racers were originally set to compete at Le Mans this year, but since the ACO’s initial announcements in 2018, that date has steadily been pushed back and it is now likely they will not make a competitive debut in the endurance classic until 2027. However, whereas the class was initially set to only cater for fuel cell vehicles, this has now been opened up to hydrogen-fueled ICE as well.
