Mission H24 and Toyota Racing have broadened their alliance, with the Japanese manufacturer delivering a hydrogen-burning powerplant for deployment in the H24EVO concept vehicle.
The H24EVO aims to illustrate hydrogen’s viability in powering future prototype racecars, as the FIA World Endurance Championship plans to introduce a hydrogen category from 2030.
While collaboration previously focused on cooling and aerodynamics, the H24EVO will be driven by a Toyota-developed 3.5-liter V6 race-ready propulsion system, replacing the earlier fuel-cell setup.
Among established sports car manufacturers, the brand has shown notable enthusiasm for hydrogen in racing, crafting the TR LH2 Racing Prototype by applying know-how gained from its Super Taikyu program in Japan.
Initially unveiled at Le Mans two years ago and operated with gaseous hydrogen before eventually switching to liquid hydrogen, the H24EVO represents the latest outcome of the collaboration between the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and the H24 Project.
“This new collaboration between Mission H24 and Toyota Racing mirrors the mutual pledges, echoed by all Mission H24 partners, to drive the energy transition forward,” said ACO President Pierre Fillon.
“Hydrogen stands as one of the routes to decarbonize mobility.
“This pioneering program unfolds in multiple phases. We conveyed this from the start, which is why it bears the name ‘Mission H24’, because although the objective is clear, the exact steps to achieve it may evolve.
“Both gaseous and liquid hydrogen, fuel cells, and engines offer paths for storing and using hydrogen.
“Toyota’s backing underscores Mission H24’s resolve and ambition.”
Kazuki Nakajima, vice-chairman of Toyota Racing, added: “I would like to thank Mission H24 for their trust and expectation for Toyota Racing’s hydrogen combustion engine.
“This is an important milestone for Toyota Racing since our mission is the continuous pursuit of the possibilities for combustion engine development, including hydrogen technology, and to deliver its potential to a wider range of stakeholders.”
Mission H24 co-president Jean-Michel Bouresche described Toyota’s involvement as sending a “powerful signal to all stakeholders in the hydrogen sector and to all Mission H24 partners.”
Work has already begun on incorporating Toyota’s engine into the H24EVO with this including how it integrates with the chassis and gearbox.
The current plan is for the newest iteration of the car to be unveiled to the public at Le Mans in 2028, with testing due to begin in February or March of that year.
