MissionH24 and McLaren Applied, for a sustainable innovation
MissionH24 and McLaren Applied announced today, a partnership.
The H24EVO will use solutions developed by McLaren Applied. MissionH24's all-new zero-emission prototype, a collaborative program between the Automobile Club l'Ouest (ACO) and H24Project, will be equipped with McLaren Applied’s Vehicle Control Unit, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System as well as software. The first official tests of the H24EVO, scheduled for the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans, will demonstrate the potential of this joint effort. McLaren Applied's ATLAS GT logo will appear on the livery of the hydrogen electric prototype.
As pioneers of innovation in motorsport, MissionH24 and McLaren Applied are perfectly synergy. McLaren Applied will provide a range of solutions enabling MissionH24 engineers to optimize the performance of the H24EVO. MissionH24 will also benefit from world-renowned technical support.
The partnership between MissionH24 and McLaren Applied comes at the dawn of an exciting new era of sustainable innovation in motorsport. The framework has been defined: the introduction of hydrogen at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2028, for a competition with zero CO2 emissions. With the development of the H24EVO, the first hydrogen-powered car controlled by McLaren Applied solutions, MissionH24 and McLaren Applied are committed to pushing the limits of performance with carbon-free technologies.
VCU-500
The VCU-500 is McLaren Applied's latest-generation vehicle controller, designed specifically for electric racing applications and widely used in Formula E. The unit will function as the main vehicle controller on the H24EVO, providing powertrain and chassis control functionality, interfacing with all other electronic units on the car. The VCU-500 will make a wealth of data available, recording up to 2,000 parameters simultaneously. This capability will provide a comprehensive performance analysis, enabling teams to pursue their ideal strategy for optimizing vehicle performance.
The VCU-500 is supported by a complete software toolchain, including McLaren Control Toolbox (MCT), enabling MissionH24 engineers to develop customized control strategies using MATLAB Simulink and System Monitor to calibrate and configure the VCU-500. MissionH24 will also benefit from vTAG simulation tools, used to test code before deploying it on the H24EVO, and to run simulations on live and post-processed data.
ATLAS GT
McLaren Applied’s data analysis software, ATLAS is a powerful software package designed to obtain, distribute, display and analyze race car data. ATLAS GT is widely used in top-level motorsport, for live monitoring of vehicle performance, as well as for post-event data analysis and processing. MissionH24 engineers will use ATLAS GT to continuously monitor the performance of the H24EVO, in order to optimize powertrain and chassis performance.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The H24EVO will use McLaren Applied's Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which also equips the MotoGP. With first class accuracy, the system provides enriched information, additional data parameters such as air humidity, rim temperature and tire casing temperature. The system gives the MissionH24 team complete condition monitoring of the H24EVO tyre performance on the track.
Richard Saxby, Motorsport Director at McLaren Applied:
"We are proud to support this exciting project demonstrating the potential of hydrogen for endurance racing and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans."
Sam Guest, head of telemetry, control and analysis at McLaren Applied:
"Our VCU-500 analysis package, tire pressure system and ATLAS GT will provide MissionH24 with the latest control systems and analysis tools to optimize the performance of the H24EVO. We look forward to seeing the car on track and supporting our MissionH24 colleagues in achieving their exciting goals and demonstrating the future of hydrogen mobility in the most demanding of endurance races."
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and co-president of MissionH24:
"Our program dedicated to the deployment of hydrogen in Endurance racing requires partners determined to prove the performance and environmental value of this energy in motor racing. McLaren Applied joins this team of companies committed to our side since 2018, when MissionH24 was officially launched, and it's a source of great satisfaction. With H24EVO, we are entering a crucial new phase for hydrogen in racing."
Jean-Michel Bouresche, CEO of H24Project and co-president of MissionH24:
"We are very pleased to welcome McLaren Applied to the group of MissionH24 technical partners. We have a great technological challenge ahead of us, and McLaren Applied's expertise will be invaluable in helping us achieve our technical and sporting objectives."
About MissionH24
MissionH24, a collaboration between the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and H24Project, is involved in the creation of an H2 prototype class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in FIA WEC. Launched in 2018 with the LMPH2G, a laboratory car, the program then developed the H24, the first H2 racing prototype to have evolved to this level of competition and finished all its races in 2022. With the H24EVO, a new era begins: pure performance!
About McLaren Applied
More than three decades in F1 and other world championships have given McLaren Applied seasoned expertise in electrification, connectivity, control and sensing in motorsport. This expertise is also applied to the automotive and transport sectors. Today, thi independent company headquartered in Woking, UK, and the expertise of its people, combined with its technology and agility, are paving the way for a more sustainable, intelligent and connected future. Find out more at https://www.mclarenapplied.com.
The Hydrogen at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
The big mancelle week has just come to a close, with an intense and breathtaking edition right up to the final laps. Despite the tricky weather, spectators enjoyed the show on track. In the Hydrogen Village, they were able to familiarize themselves with the future of endurance racing: hydrogen. This technology, unprecedented in motorsport, is already a reality.
The 2024 edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours was a landmark for hydrogen, a strategy pursued by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest in collaboration with H24Project to decarbonize motor racing and mobility in general. In the village dedicated to this technology, a veritable H2 paddock was created, with TotalEnergies' mobile H2 station at its heart.
For the first time, H2 prototypes were refuelled in public.
The H24 from MissionH24, the Alpenglow Hy4 from Alpine, the Ligier Bosch JS2 RH2 and the Foenix from GCK subsidiary Solution F were all able to take to the legendary Sarthe circuit. Over a distance of more than 13 kilometers, the Zero CO2 Emission competition presented itself to the audience. A special passenger Zinédine Zidane took part in this demonstration with Alpine, in the Alpenglow Hy4. Enthusiastically, the "golden ball" also posed in front of the H24, on the grid, a few minutes before the start.
In the Hydrogen Village, more than 20 exhibitors shared their research and knowledge on the subject with the public.
ENSOSP, SDIS72, Ariane Group, Symbio, OPmobility surrounded the new H24EVO. The University of Le Mans, France Hydrogène, Maison de l'Europe and Technifutur were all on hand to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen, as were Discoverhy, the first H2 racing car for children, and Horizon Educational. Toyota developed its hydrogen strategy. There's nothing like a film to make you realize...
H24 leads the way for the Hydrogen Parade
June 15 was a milestone for the H24, the first electric hydrogen racing car in the MissionH24 program run by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and H24Project. The H24 opened an unprecedented hydrogen parade, before welcoming the official visit of starter Zinédine Zidane to the starting grid for a legendary photo, and completing its final lap of honor at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
A historic day for hydrogen at Le Mans on June 15. Shortly after 9 a.m., the tuk tuk H2 from start-up Systemics completed a range test on the Alain Prost karting circuit. This particular vehicle completed 24 hours of driving, using 2 kilograms of hydrogen and covering a total of over 700 km.
Shortly after midday, an unprecedented demonstration took place on the main circuit of the 24 Heures du Mans, with 4 hydrogen prototypes: the H24 from MissionH24, the Ligier Bosch JS2 RH2, the Foenix from Solution F, a subsidiary of GCK, and the Alpenglow Hy4 from Alpine. The latter carried a special passenger, Zinédine Zidane.
The parade demonstrated the concrete deployment of hydrogen in endurance racing. All these cars are now on display in the Village Hydrogène.
Finally, a few minutes before the start of the 92nd edition of the Manche classic, the H24, with Stéphane Richelmi at the wheel, completed a lap of honor, equipped with the latest evolution of Michelin 71% tires (these tires are made from 71% sustainable materials). This lap of honor was like a bow to the world.
The H24EVO is revealed at the Hydrogen Village!
There was some excitement this June 12 in the Hydrogen Village. Officially inaugurated by Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, it was the setting for the reveal of the all-new H24EVO. Presented a few months ago in the form of drawings, the future hydrogen electric prototype of MissionH24, a collaborative program between the ACO and H24Project, was revealed this time on scale 1.
If the drawings had been promising, the revealed model testifies to the audacity of MissionH24.
"Our goal is to have the first hydrogen racing car approved by the FIA and with performances similar to the best GT3'' announces Jean-Michel Bouresche, co-president of MissionH24.
The public can now observe this H24 at the Hydrogène village which counts an H2 paddock, a mobile H2 station and numerous fun and educational activities.
The H24EVO is unveiled!
Le Mans, June 12th 2024
Presented in sketch form last October in Boulogne Billancourt, on the premises of the Amaury group, the H24EVO is now on display in the Hydrogen Village at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Pierre Fillon and Jean-Michel Bouresche, co-presidents of MissionH24 and partners in the program, today revealed the model of the brand-new electric hydrogen prototype.
In October, the drawings of the H24EVO had been noticed. “Futuristic”, “spectacular”, “new era” - these were the reactions provoked when the first sketches of the MissionH24 program's brand-new hydrogen electric prototype were unveiled at a conference organized at the Amaury group's premises in Boulogne-Billancourt.
On June 12, in Le Mans' Village Hydrogène, expectations were high: would the scale 1 version match the boldness of the model presentation?
When Pierre Fillon, Jean-Michel Bouresche, the drivers, Stéphane Richelmi, Adrien Tambay, and technical director Bassel Aslan discovered the prototype protected from prying eyes by a dark cover, the audience automatically approached the illuminated space reserved for this pioneering racing car.
The lines are revolutionary and sleek. Built for pure performance, for zero-emission hydrogen-powered competition, the H24EVO made an impact.
Well supported by its partners, TotalEnergies, Symbio, Michelin, OPmobility, Dietsmann and Richard Mille, the H24EVO is made up of components designed for performance and competition. Fuel cell and even Symbio fuel cell system, OPmobility tanks, engine, Michelin tires adapted to the hydrogen technology: everything has been optimized and designed to perform with the H24EVO, powered by hydrogen from the TotalEnergies mobile H2 station.
On both the H24 and the LMPH2G, the key components were available in more conventional versions.
The next major milestone for the H24EVO is its maiden run in 2025, during the first quarter of the year.
Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and co-president of MissionH24:
"The H24 was a landmark car in the MissionH24 program, as it was the first electric hydrogen prototype to compete in endurance racing, in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, linking the finish line at each of its engagements. The H24EVO marks a new stage for MissionH24: fielding a hydrogen-electric prototype capable of competing alongside conventional combustion-powered cars. Hydrogen won't be on the track, it'll be competing on it."
Jean-Michel Bouresche, CEO of H24Project and co-president of MissionH24:
"Our aim is to make the H24EVO the 1st FIA homologated electric-hydrogen prototype, with a level of performance equivalent to the best GT3s.
To achieve this, we need to integrate the latest technologies, in particular to provide the necessary power. I'd like to take this opportunity to salute Symbio's strong commitment to the H24EVO program."
- TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS -
H24EVO
Symbio fuel cell
New-generation multi-stacks
300 KW net
2 hydrogen gas tanks at 700 bar
7.8 kg H2
872 HP electric motor
Adess LMP chassis 1300 kg
400 KW lithium battery
Systemics: 24 Hours = 2 kg of H2
It is this equation with several unknowns that the French start-up Systemics will attempt to resolve during the week of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2024. A specialist in soft mobility, the entity wishes to validate this autonomy: driving for 24 hours, with 2 kg of 'H2 (hydrogen) in the tanks of a tuk tuk. The start will be given in 24 hours, Sunday June 9, at 8 p.m.
The unique initiative aims to promote hydrogen as an energy vector for more environmentally friendly mobility. Systemics, a French start-up initiated by Antoine Abou, is taking on this challenge: driving for 24 hours with a full tank of 2 kg of Hydrogen in the tanks of its vehicle, a tuk tuk. The chosen location is symbolic: Le Mans, the Alain Prost karting circuit; The date as well, since this attempt will take place as part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans week.
Indeed, the experience will take place in two stages, June 9 and June 14, in 12-hour sequences, on the famous Le Mans karting track.
- On June 9, meet at 8 p.m. for the launch of this pioneering experience. On June 10, shortly after 8 a.m., the tuk tuk will stop to reach the H2 village, within the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit, to be exposed to spectators. The team will thus be able to share the lessons learned from this first part of the challenge.
- Friday June 14, from 9 p.m., she will return to the Alain Prost karting track to complete her challenge, with success she hopes, on Saturday at 9 a.m., a few hours before the start of the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Among the drivers in the tuk tuk cabin, we could recognize the pilots of MissionH24, a collaborative program between the ACO and H24Project for the creation of an H2 category in endurance, or even elements of the Sarthe Departmental Fire and Safety Service, concerned by the deployment of hydrogen.
MissionH24 meets the students of the H2 Grand Prix Pro
The H2 Grand Prix Pro is a competition initiated by Horizon Educational, a company dedicated to hydrogen and renewable energy education for over 10 years. In the competition, students from 20 countries design, engineer, construct and race 1:10 scale hydrogen fuel cell cars.
The Dutch final of the 2024 H2 Grand Prix Pro competition takes place on May 24 in Zwolle, with 14 teams competing. Among the members of the jury for this event is Nicolas Perez, project manager and performance manager of MissionH24, who will present this technology in the Endurance 24 Hours of Le Mans hydrogen electric prototype format.
During the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in the ACO H2 village, dedicated to this new energy, an educational space will be run by Horizon Educational.
MissionH24 and Symbio extend their partnership
MissionH24 and Symbio extend their partnership for even more efficient zero emission hydrogen mobility
Le Mans / Saint-Fons, 15 mai 2024 –
MissionH24 and Symbio, partners for several years for the deployment of efficient zero-emission hydrogen mobility, particularly in the demanding conditions of motor racing, are intensifying their collaboration to shape the future of carbon-free mobility. The future H24EVO will be equipped with a fuel cell, now approved as part of a more global powertrain system, developed by Symbio.
In exactly one month, the 24 Hours of Le Mans will begin, a legendary, century-old race which is resolutely looking to the future with a new category dedicated to hydrogen prototypes planned by 2027.
Symbio will be on the livery of the future H24EVO which will be revealed on June 12, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A little more patience before discovering the complete puzzle.
Building on their shared determination to excel in this high-level competition, a unique laboratory in extreme and real conditions, MissionH24 and Symbio are extending and intensifying their pioneering partnership for the next three years (2024-2026). Since 2018, the MissionH24 program, a collaboration between the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and H24Project, has played an active role in the deployment of hydrogen-powered electric prototypes. As a leading technical partner, Symbio, a leader in fuel cell technology, fully embraces this challenge, driven by a deep conviction in favor of zero-emission competition.
In recent years, numerous milestones have been reached, symbolized by the participation of the H24 in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, challenging machines with classic thermal engines. Each event was marked by a passage under the checkered flag.
With the static presentation of the all-new H24EVO on June 12, 2024 during the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Hydrogen village, another era begins. This daring prototype with a racing look embodies the ambition of pure performance, ready to surpass itself, and to exceed! The all-new hydrogen fuel cell developed by Symbio, which will power the H24EVO, uses cutting-edge multi-stack technology. offering a net power of 300 kW, it represents a power density gain of more than 50% compared to previous maximum technologies, while guaranteeing exceptional efficiency.
For MissionH24 and Symbio, this collaboration goes well beyond competition. Together, they aspire to build a revolutionary hydrogen electric racing vehicle, while proving the potential of hydrogen in the decarbonization of mobility.
Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and co-president of MissionH24:
“Participating in the energy transition and developing a zero-emission competition represent crucial, exciting and immense challenges. To carry them out successfully, being able to count on expert and committed partners, like Symbio, is essential. These last few years have been foundational, the years to come, with Symbio, will realize the potential of the hydrogen electric competition with MissionH24."
Philippe Rosier, CEO of Symbio, specifies:
“After already 6 years of collaboration, we are delighted to naturally extend our partnership with MissionH24 and the ACO for 3 more years to go even further in performance. Symbio has been the fuel cell partner of the MissionH24 adventure since its beginnings in 2018. This renewed partnership demonstrates our common commitment to developing ultra-efficient zero-emission hydrogen mobility. Motor racing is a fantastic laboratory in extreme and real conditions. It allows us to push the performance of our technology even further, both on the track and on the road, to accelerate the deployment of efficient, safe and competitive hydrogen mobility."
Jean-Michel Bouresche, president of H24Project and co-president of MissionH24:
“I am delighted to continue our long-term collaboration with Symbio. This partnership with one of the major players in the fuel cell is an opportunity for MissionH24 to benefit from all of Symbio’s expertise. Its involvement makes it possible to demonstrate the performance of its products thanks to the formidable test bench that is motor racing. Together, with the H24EVO, designed for pure performance, we are building the future of the electric hydrogen category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans."
24 Hours of Le Mans : MissionH24 and Ligier-Bosch on track Saturday June 15th
A world premiere will take place on Saturday June 15. 2024, between 12 p.m. and 13 p.m. during the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans:
The H24, MissionH24’s hydrogen electric racing prototype, will be on track a few hours before the start of the 92nd edition, as it has already been able to achieve in recent years, but in 2024 it will not be alone since several other hydrogen prototypes will accompany it forthis pioneering demonstration. Proof that MissionH24, the collaborative program between the ACO and H24Project, is concretely pursuing its objectives.
Among these manufacturers committed to the deployment of hydrogen, Ligier-Bosch will present the Ligier JS2 RH2 on the track. After being publicly revealed last year during the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the vehicle was exhibited at the Hydrogen village, organized within the circuit, dedicated to this new energy vector.
Next June, the Ligier JS2 RH2 will revealed on track this time with the H24 from MissionH24, demonstrating that the research carried out on the potential of hydrogen is coming to fruition.
This year again, the Hydrogen village will host numerousactivities dedicated to the discovery of hydrogen. An important new featureshould be noted : a real H2 paddock will present the zero-emission competition to the public with different precursor prototypes. A visit to this world of future competition is essential.
On track for a demonstration run, Saturday between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. the H24 , a hydrogen fuel cell electric prototype, the JS2 RH2, equiped with an H2 combustion engine, demonstrate the range of possibilities offered by thes new technology.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest:
"This June 15.2024 will mark the history of the 24 hours of Le Mans. For the first time, hydrogen prototypes will evolve on the great Le Mans circuit with the H24 from our MissionH24 program. The Ligier Bosch JS2 RH2 takes up this challenge and I am delighted. This demonstration is much more than symbolic, it proves the mertis of MissionH24 which is working to create a Hydrogen category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with vehicles entered by manufacturers. With hydrogen,endurance is committed to sustainable competition."
Jacques Nicolet, President of Ligier Automotive:
"We are very proud to be part of the first manufacturers to see their hydrogen-powered car run on the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans track. We are fully focused onintegrating new energies into the automotive industry and this demonstration lap shows that motorsport is an incredible research laboratory to develop and test new technologies."
Dr. Johannes-Jörg Rüger, President of Bosch Engineering GmbH:
"With the Ligier JS2 RH2, we are demonstrating the potential of an alternative climate-friendly drive for high-performance vehicles like in motorsport. We are therefore very proud that our vehicle will be one the first hydrogen-powered cars to run on the famous Le Mans circuit."
Mission accomplished for the H24 at Spa-Francorchamps
MissionH24, a collaborative program between the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and H24Project, has been present since Thursday at Spa-Francorchamps, for the 3rd round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Its various actions during this Belgian weekend have one objective: to promote hydrogen in competition.
Exhibited in the hydrogen village, in the middle of the fan zone, the H24, an electric hydrogen racing prototype, still brings together so many visitors, curious to discover this new technology. If in the stand, the team can answer many questions, on the track, Stéphane Richelmi, one of the reference drivers, at the wheel of the H24, demonstrates the potential and reliability of hydrogen in competition.
After refueling at the H2 mobile station developed and operated by TotalEnergies, the H24 completed several loops of the legendary Belgian track at the end of the morning, a few hours before the start of the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, in front of a large audience.
Among them, Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, secretary general of Hydrogen Europe, was particularly attentive to these demonstrations, as were the participants in the H2 forum, co-organized by Automotive Skills Alliance, GreenSkillsforH2 and Skills Alliance for Industrial Symbiosis and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO and co-president of MissionH24, as well as MissionH24 partners, Richard Mille and Pierre-Gautier Caloni (TotalEnergies), Frédéric Lequin, CEO of FIA WEC, Bernard Niclot, innovation manager for the ACO, Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, consultant and Amaury Bertholome, general director of the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, witnessed the zero-emission running of the H24 from the side of the track.
Next round : at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the H24 will take to the track on Saturday June 15th, alongside several hydrogen prototypes, notably the Alpenglow Hy4, revealed on May 10th at Spa.