MissionH24: History and Outlook

HISTORY

2018

MissionH24, the collaborative project between the ACO and H24 Project, was launched at Spa-Francorchamps, to promote hydrogen for racing through various stages, with the ultimate goal to create a dedicated hydrogen class for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the near future. The first phase of this MissionH24 set out to prove that hydrogen is a safe, simple and promising energy. Yannick Dalmas, four-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, completed a solo lap of the world-famous Ardennes track with the LMPH2G laboratory car, as part of the Belgian round of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS).

2019

Still at Spa-Francorchamps, during the fifth round of the Michelin Le Mans Cup, as part of the ELMS meeting, MissionH24, now joined by a leading partner, TotalEnergies, tested the LMPH2G during the Michelin Le Mans Cup’s two free practice sessions. As part of an international event, this test enabled the LMPH2G to face real racing conditions for the first time, immersed at the heart of the competitors from this class. During these two open test sessions, the LMPH2G refuelled for the first time with the mobile hydrogen station designed exclusively for racing by TotalEnergies. A world first!

2020

MissionH24 is continuing to move forward with its development. Jean-Michel Bouresche, MissionH24 Operations Manager and Team Principal of H24Racing, the team that operates the program’s racing vehicles, and Norman Nato, the team’s development driver, unveiled a new prototype, the H24. This replaced the LMPH2G, following two years of private testing and its participation in two race weekends (Spa and Portimao in 2019 with the Michelin Le Mans Cup). Despite the H24’s appearance, the LMPH2G remained in the spotlight. On Saturday 18 September 2020, it took to the track for a solo lap of honour at the famous Le Mans circuit, a few minutes before the 2.30pm start for the drivers qualified for the 88th 24 Hours event.

Despite the H24’s appearance, the LMPH2G remained in the spotlight. On Saturday September 18, 2020, it took to the track for a solo lap of honor at the famous Le Mans circuit, a few minutes before the 2:30pm start for the drivers qualified for the 88th 24 Hours event.

2022

Four races in the Michelin Le Mans Cup were scheduled for the H24 hydrogen fuel cell electric prototype. Competing alongside combustion engine LMP3s and GT3s, and alone in the “Innovative Car” category, the H24 fared pretty well, making it to the finishing line of all four races. A genuine sporting and technological feat.

2024

At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the ACO and MissionH24 unveiled a third generation hydrogen fuel cell electric prototype, the H24 EVO, on which TotalEnergies is a partner. Early 2025, at the HYvolution trade fair in Paris, MissionH24 revealed that the H24 EVO prototype will operate using liquid hydrogen stored at -253°C in thermally-insulated tanks. The space industry has been using liquid hydrogen (LH2) for the last decade or so. TotalEnergies will be provider of the hydrogen. Initial track tests are planned for 2026.

Update in March 2025