How the Le Mans motor race is paving the way for hydrogen-powered cars
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a technology laboratory in its own right, focused on automobile innovation. It has been pushing the boundaries of greener technology to accelerate the development of systems to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions
Image: Jean-Francois Monier / AFP
Motor sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers would be familiar with the Formula One races held around the world. But beyond fast cars, a legendary test of endurance, innovation and speed has been taking place annually in the town of Le Mans in France, capturing the world’s imagination since 1923. The 24-hour motor race sees drivers, teams and engineering capabilities stretched to their limits to win.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a technology laboratory in its own right, focused on automobile innovation. It has been pushing the boundaries of greener technology to accelerate the development of systems to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, which could be adapted to everyday use on the road in the future.
The million-dollar question is: Why is Le Mans giving electric vehicles (EVs) a miss when Europe is shifting its focus to EV production and most major car manufacturers are transitioning to electric mobility? The European Union, among others, has set ambitious goals and policies for a phased transition to zero-emissions vehicles, focusing largely on EVs. Carbon dioxide emissions of all new cars and vans will be zero by 2035, and the transport sector will be climate-neutral by 2050.
Hydrogen technology, with similar benefits as internal combustion gasoline engines, is a competitive technology for a demanding race like Le Mans. The quick refilling, high energy density, consistent performance and durability – characteristics largely lacking in EVs – meet the race’s mission of high performance and sustainability.
[This article is republished courtesy of INSEAD Knowledge, the portal to the latest business insights and views of The Business School of the World. Copyright INSEAD 2024]