Toyota’s Bold 2028 WEC Plan: Hydrogen Hypercar to Shake Up Le Mans Racing Scene
July 26, 2024Toyota’s Game-Changing Entry of Hydrogen Hypercar
In a landmark move for sustainable motorsport, Toyota plans to enter a hydrogen-combustion Hypercar contender in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) alongside its existing GR010 HYBRID. The announcement follows a recent extension of regulations allowing current Le Mans Hypercars and LMDh prototypes to race until 2028, while also phasing in a new class of vehicles powered by hydrogen.
Development and Strategic Entry of Toyota’s Hydrogen Hypercar
Toyota aims to develop this new contender from the 2023 GR HY Concept, targeting limited entries including the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours. The project leader for Hypercar development at Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe, John Litjens, confirmed that the hydrogen car will begin its racing career in a few select events, rather than a full season.
“The Automobile Club de l’Ouest [ACO] has mentioned three races in the first year, so there would be a transition,” said Litjens, highlighting the dependency on regulatory developments to shape the schedule.
ACO president Pierre Fillon reiterated plans for the phased introduction of hydrogen technology in the Hypercar class, with the first hydrogen-powered cars expected to compete at Le Mans in June 2028.
Establishing Regulatory Framework for Hydrogen Technology in Motorsports
While uncertainty lingers on the timeline for Toyota’s hydrogen project, contingent on the finalization of regulations, there is a clear path being established. The FIA’s technical director, Xavier Mestelan Pinon, indicated the governing body’s immediate priority is to define the regulations for liquid hydrogen.
He added, “After that, we will launch a dedicated technical working group with the FIA, the ACO, and IMSA to build the regulations for the manufacturers.”
The vision for the 2030 regulations aims to allow hydrogen cars to compete on equal terms with conventional fuel-powered vehicles, an essential aspect of the ACO and FIA’s strategy for promoting alternative technologies in motorsport.
“To develop two new cars in parallel is not possible,” stated Litjens, emphasizing Toyota’s commitment to hydrogen prototypes alone as the company prepares for this ambitious leap.
Collaborative Vision for a Sustainable Future in Endurance Racing
The ACO and FIA acknowledge the challenges ahead in introducing hydrogen into WEC’s premier category, but the collaboration between these organizations and leading manufacturers like Toyota sets a promising trajectory towards a greener future in endurance racing.
Moreover, this strategic move is not merely about competing on the track; it is a forward-thinking approach that could catalyse advances in hydrogen production, storage, and infrastructure. The collaboration with regulatory bodies like the ACO and FIA indicates a commitment to establishing comprehensive guidelines that will ensure fair competition among traditional and alternative fuel vehicles. As the regulations evolve, the insights and technologies developed through this racing endeavor may translate into wider applications across the automotive landscape, making hydrogen a viable option for everyday consumers.
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I would like to better understand if refueling is a distinct component of the pit strategy, or if the (green) hydrogen-based fuel cell technology would allow the racecars to reach their ultimate distance without refueling during green flag racing or yellow flag (caution) laps’ pit stops?
Of course with extended races like a LeMans 24-hour event, refueling would be a factor, so then it is a matter of relative charging pressure(s) of 345 bar = 5,000 PSI, or 689 bar = 10,000 PSI and the refill rates of (slow) 30 grams/minute = 1.8 kg/minute fill, or normal refueling 60 grams/minute = 3.6 kg/minute, or fast refueling 120 grams/minute = 7.2 kg/minute (like Benet dispensers maybe doing a faster fill rate). For the audience, drivers and team members, waiting to fill a racecar’s pressurized cyrogenic tank with gaseous hydrogen may feel like “an eternity”.
I believe the Toyota is powered by an H2 combustion engine, not a fuel cell