The Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 is a running prototype based on the static 2022 Alpenglow concept. The Hy4 is notable for its unique capabilities and modifications suited for racing. The vehicle is equipped with three hydrogen tanks, each holding 2.08 kilograms of hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bar. Not just under the hood but also in its structure; it features a modified crash structure designed specifically to accommodate the hydrogen technology, including side pods for the tanks and a reworked aerodynamic package featuring a new roof scoop.
This groundbreaking model made its debut at a six-hour endurance race at Spa-Francorchamps during the FIA WEC 2024 season and is set to appear next at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 14-15, 2024.
Aside from performance enhancements, Alpine spoke about this innovative model's potential broader impact. According to Alpine, a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine represents "a tremendously promising solution for road use."
Alpine's exploration into hydrogen fuel technology is not solitary within the auto industry; companies like Toyota and BMW have also ventured into vehicles powered by alternative fuels. BMW notably developed several models that ran on hydrogen as far back as the late 1970s and produced another model in 2005. These efforts align with an industry-wide shift towards decreasing the ecological footprint of vehicles while maintaining high-performance standards.
Source: Alpine