Fourth Place Finish for Hydrogen-Powered Buggy in Dakar 2024 Rally - Backstage Insights (Continuation)
The Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology Association (HySE) has made a significant mark in the world of rally racing with its hydrogen-powered vehicle, the HySE-X1, and now the HySE-X2.
In 2024, the HySE-X1, a prototype developed across three sites in Japan and overseas, made its debut in the Dakar Rally. Despite facing challenges such as getting stuck in sand, running out of fuel, and problems with the shaft that transmits drive power to the front wheels, the vehicle managed to finish an impressive fourth in its category.
For Dakar Rally 2025, HySE has upgraded the car to the HySE-X2 model, focusing on key technical enhancements such as increased high-RPM power, better mid-range fuel efficiency, and larger hydrogen tank capacity to improve range and performance in desert stages. The HySE-X2 competed in the “Mission 1000” category, a new division aimed at promoting next-gen, carbon-neutral powertrains, and achieved second place.
The development of the HySE-X1 and HySE-X2 has not been without its challenges. The original vehicle faced issues during assembly, with delays in the arrival of hydrogen tanks, electrical systems, and other parts. The HySE-X1 also had trouble during testing in Portugal, with the chain that transfers driving force from the engine to the CVT breaking frequently. Overdrive Racing, the partner company in Belgium responsible for the vehicle chassis, upgraded from the chain to a gear drive to fix the issue, and the vehicle ran all day without stopping in the final preliminary test in January.
HySE aims to address the programming issue related to adjusting hydrogen injection at higher altitudes and make combustion more efficient for Dakar 2025. The team has also detected combustion abnormalities during Dakar 2024 that didn't occur on the test bench and obtained vast amounts of related data.
Chairman Kenji Komatsu of HySE emphasized that the team will continue to take part in the Dakar Rally to establish the fundamental technologies for hydrogen engines. The association, comprising six companies: Kawasaki Motors, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha Motor, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Toyota, hopes to attract new partners and investment by continuing to highlight the potential of hydrogen engines.
The engine for the HySE-X1 was calibrated at Yamaha Motor headquarters in Iwata, while the sensors and computer program controls were developed by Toyota's head office. The vehicle's chassis was entrusted to Overdrive Racing in Belgium.
The ongoing interest in hydrogen combustion engines in rally motorsport is evident, with other manufacturers such as Toyota also developing hydrogen-powered rally cars. However, these are separate from HySE’s program. Special regulations exist for using hydrogen safely in racing and rally environments.
As the HySE-X2 continues to compete in Dakar Rally 2025, the team will focus on addressing existing technical challenges, specifically enhancing powertrain performance and hydrogen storage for longer race stages. The future of hydrogen-powered rally cars is undoubtedly exciting, and HySE is at the forefront of this innovative technology.
[1] HySE official website: https://www.hyse.jp/en/ [2] Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 H2 concept: https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/3722090.html [3] Hydrogen safety regulations for racing and rally environments: https://www.fia.com/regulations/single-seater/world-rallycross/fia-world-rallycross-regulations-2021 [4] Mission 1000 category rules: https://www.dakar.com/regulations/mission-1000/
Sports and technology intertwine in the exciting world of rally racing, where the Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology Association (HySE) showcases its advancements. Having secured an impressive fourth place in 2024 with the HySE-X1 and a second-place finish in the "Mission 1000" category with the upgraded HySE-X2 in 2025, HySE highlights the potential of hydrogen-powered sports vehicles.
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