HySE competes in Dakar 2025 with the HySE-X2
To tackle further technical challenges
HySE (Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology Association) will participate in the Dakar 2025 rally, which will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 3 to 17, 2025.
HySE will compete in the newly introduced ‘Mission 1000 ACT2’ category, first introduced at the Dakar Rally in 2024. The category is designed to showcase vehicles powered by next-generation powertrains aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.
HySE previously participated in the 2024 event with its hydrogen-powered vehicle, the HySE-X1, equipped with a hydrogen engine. The car completed the rally, finishing in an impressive fourth place in its category. The entry was part of HySE’s effort to identify potential issues in hydrogen-powered small mobility vehicles that had not yet been addressed.
For Dakar 2025, HySE is introducing the HySE-X2, an upgraded version of the HySE-X1. The new vehicle features significant improvements to the engine and the chassis aimed at tackling new technical challenges.
Among the key upgrades are enhancements to the engine’s high-rev range, improved fuel efficiency in the mid-range, and a larger hydrogen tank capacity. These upgrades are expected to enhance the vehicle’s performance while further developing compact hydrogen mobility technologies.
The HySE-X2 features a 998 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, inline four-cylinder, supercharged engine with a DOHC 16-valve valve train. It is designed with an internal hydrogen tank pressure of 70 MPa and a capacity of 7.2 kg, with four tanks installed (an increase from the three tanks on the HySE-X1). The vehicle’s dimensions are 4,000 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,900 mm in height, weighing 1,250 kg.
Through its participation in the upcoming Dakar Rally, HySE aims to foster a global network of industry partners working toward realising hydrogen-powered mobility. The company also sees the Dakar Rally as a critical platform for demonstrating its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.
In addition to the Dakar Rally, HySE will showcase the HySE-X2 at the European Hydrogen Week, which will take place in Brussels, Belgium, from November 18 to 22, 2024. Europe’s largest hydrogen-focused event will display the vehicle at the Automobile Club de l’Ouest booth, located in Hall 7, M20.
Daichi Kai, Team Manager for HySE Dakar 2025, said: “We are excited to return to the Dakar Rally with the HySE-X2, a vehicle that has been improved in response to the challenges we encountered with the HySE-X1. We aim to continue advancing small hydrogen mobility technologies and push the boundaries of what is possible in this field. We look forward to sharing our journey through social media, and we appreciate the continued support of our followers.”
Featured image: The HySE-X2 is waiting for its cosmetic finish. Credit: HySE
Last Updated on 2 months by Arnold Pinto
