Those not new to rallying are well aware of the Dakar, one of the most gruelling rally raid events in the world. It also serves as an ideal proving ground for new vehicle technologies, as teams and manufacturers can run their vehicles in some of the harshest climate and terrain conditions. With this in mind, the HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology) research association has announced its intention to enter Toyota’s hydrogen-powered vehicle, the HySE-X1, in the Mission 1000 Challenge of the 2024 Dakar Rally, which will be held in Saudi Arabia from 5th to 19th January 2024.
In May 2023, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry approved the formation of the technological research association HySE, to develop hydrogen-powered engines for small mobility. At the time of the announcement, Kawasaki Motors Ltd., Suzuki Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. were chosen as the full members of the association, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. and Toyota Motor Corporation were assigned the role of special members. Kenji Komatsu, Executive Officer of the Technical Research & Development Centre, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., serves as the HySE Chairman.
As for Mission 1000, it is a part of the Dakar Future Program with backing from both the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme), aimed at urging automakers to develop next-generation carbon-neutral powertrain technologies like hydrogen engines and electric/biofuel hybrids. According to Dakar, Mission 1000 will serve as more of a ‘laboratory’, allowing participants to initially take part in a full-scale test, enabling manufacturers to gather as much information as possible. Their performance – in terms of technical reliability, energy consumption and carbon footprint will be assessed by a panel of experts.
Coming to the HySE-X1, it is based on a chassis built by HySE’s partner company and Belgium-based Overdrive Racing. Powering the 1.5-ton vehicle is a 998cc liquid-cooled in-line four supercharged engine for motorcycles that HySE is currently using in its research activities. A mock-up of the HySE-X1 will also be on display at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show.