Alpine’s Alpenglow concept car, which features a hydrogen-combustion engine, is inching closer to becoming a limited production road-going supercar. The concept, now known as the Hy4, recently made its debut as a rolling prototype with Alpine’s first hydrogen combustion engine. While the car was set to have its first public demonstration at a recent racing event, an electrical fault prevented it from starting.
Antony Villain, Alpine’s design chief, expressed optimism about the potential for the Alpenglow to become a production car. He mentioned that the concept was initially designed alongside the firm’s Le Mans Hypercar racer, but has since become more road-focused. The Hy4 has transitioned from a single-seat interior to a two-seat configuration, as it is now built on a Ligier LMP3 racing chassis.
Villain hinted at the possibility of a limited production run for the Alpenglow, stating that they want to explore both hydrogen-combustion and battery-electric options. He emphasized that the team already has plans in place for the car’s evolution and further development.
A key factor in the Alpenglow’s progress is the development of a new V6 engine. Unlike the four-cylinder engine currently in the Hy4, the V6 is being worked on in-house at Alpine and prioritizes improved efficiency. The Hy4 can drive approximately 62 miles at race pace before needing to refuel, and Alpine aims to surpass this range with the V6 while also increasing power output.
François Champod, Alpine’s director of racing vehicles, explained that the hydrogen-powered V6 would offer user-friendly power delivery, driving comparable to existing petrol engines. However, there are some key differences due to the nature of hydrogen. Pierre-Jean Tardy, Alpine’s chief hydrogen engineer, highlighted challenges such as mitigating engine knock and properly mixing hydrogen with air for combustion.
Alpine executives acknowledged that the hydrogen-combustion project is still in its early stages. The new V6 is currently undergoing dynamometer testing, and Alpine plans to have it powering the Alpenglow by the end of the year. The brand is also considering entering a hydrogen-combustion car into the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027, pending changes in competition regulations.
As for the timeline for a hydrogen-burning road car, Champod noted that it will depend on factors like infrastructure development. Alpine recognizes the need for a robust hydrogen filling network, which will likely be driven by trucks and LCVs. The Renault Group’s joint-venture for hydrogen-fuel-cell vans, Hyvia, could contribute to infrastructural development that would support the launch of a road car.
Alpine is committed to using decarbonized hydrogen, either blue or green. Blue hydrogen is made from natural gas, with captured CO2, while green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis using renewable electricity. The brand believes that green hydrogen is essential for making the use of hydrogen in cars meaningful.
While there are still challenges to overcome and infrastructure to develop, Alpine remains optimistic about the future of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Alpenglow concept’s potential transition to a limited production road car demonstrates Alpine’s commitment to exploring alternative powertrain technologies and staying at the forefront of automotive innovation.
