Alpine Unveils the Alpenglow Hy4: Developing Hydrogen Technology for the Future
Alpine has recently introduced the Alpenglow Hy4, a groundbreaking hydrogen-combustion supercar that aims to revolutionize the technology in future road and track cars. This cutting-edge vehicle is an evolution of the Alpenglow concept, which was showcased two years ago. The Alpenglow Hy4 will make its dynamic debut at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, where it will demonstrate the immense performance potential of hydrogen technology.
The Alpenglow Hy4 is powered by a brand-new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is unrelated to the A110’s engine. The car utilizes hydrogen drawn from three tanks, each carrying 2.1kg of gas at a pressure of 700 bar. This hydrogen is then injected into the cylinders at 40 bar along with a spray of water, effectively reducing toxic NOx emissions.
With a maximum rev limit of 7000rpm – 200rpm higher than the top-tier A110 R – and an impressive 335bhp output, the Alpenglow Hy4 offers performance that is comparable to its petrol counterpart. Alpine has made several modifications to the Alpenglow’s proportions, ensuring that the hydrogen system fits seamlessly within the vehicle. The car sits slightly higher, and the crash structure has been reworked to accommodate two occupants. Additionally, the sidepods now house the hydrogen tanks.
The Alpenglow Hy4 will undertake demonstration runs at various high-profile events, providing valuable insights for the development of an all-new hydrogen-powered V6 engine that Alpine is currently working on. This V6 engine is expected to replace the existing four-cylinder engine in the Alpenglow by the end of this year. Furthermore, it will likely power Alpine’s entry for the 2027 edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours, as hydrogen-combustion cars will be permitted to compete for the first time that year. Alpine is closely monitoring regulatory changes in the motorsport industry, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation.
Interestingly, Alpine has hinted that the hydrogen V6 engine might also find its way into future road cars. Bruno Famin, vice-president of Alpine Motorsports, believes that hydrogen internal combustion engines hold tremendous promise in decarbonizing motorsports. He stated, “We see the hydrogen internal combustion engine as an extremely promising solution. We know that hydrogen will be an essential step in decarbonizing the next generations of endurance cars and could also be for Formula 1 cars.”
While hydrogen combustion engines offer the advantage of maintaining the feel and sound of traditional petrol engines while emitting only water and NOx, the viability of this technology depends on the energy source used. Currently, “grey” and “blue” hydrogen, which are made using natural gas, release harmful carbon emissions during production. On the other hand, “green” hydrogen, produced by electrolysing water with renewably sourced electricity, does not contribute to carbon emissions. However, the production of green hydrogen is not expected to ramp up until the 2030s. Therefore, genuinely clean hydrogen combustion engines may remain a niche solution for some time. Nonetheless, Alpine’s focus on low weight and compact packaging in their combustion engine-based cars positions them perfectly to benefit from hydrogen technology.
While batteries continue to improve and may eventually surpass hydrogen combustion engines in terms of efficiency, it is commendable that Alpine is exploring multiple avenues to create exceptional sports cars. By hedging their bets and investing in hydrogen technology, Alpine ensures that they are prepared for any future developments. This commitment to innovation is what sets Alpine apart and enables them to produce truly exceptional vehicles.
In conclusion, Alpine’s unveiling of the Alpenglow Hy4 and their dedication to developing hydrogen technology is a significant step towards a greener future for the automotive industry. With the potential to revolutionize both road and track cars, hydrogen combustion engines offer a unique blend of performance and environmental sustainability. Alpine’s proactive approach to exploring alternative powertrain options showcases their commitment to creating exceptional sports cars that push boundaries and redefine industry standards.