In January 2025, the legendary Dakar Rally will host a major innovation that could well reshape the contours of sustainable mobility: the HySE-X2, a hydrogen-powered buggy, developed by the Japanese HySE consortium. This event marks Suzuki's entry into the project, a significant turning point for the manufacturer and for the future of hydrogen-based technologies.
Hydrogen propulsion: technology and promises
Hydrogen propulsion represents one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels in a global context of energy transition. The HySE-X2 is equipped with a 998cc four-cylinder hydrogen engine. Featuring supercharging and dual camshafts, it offers a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
With its four 700 bar pressure tanks, the buggy carries 7.2 kg of hydrogen, ensuring significantly increased autonomy compared to its predecessor, the HySE-X1. The latter had demonstrated the viability of this technology during the Dakar 2024, but adjustments were necessary. The chassis was thus lightened by 250 kg to reach 1,250 kg, a decisive reduction for efficiency and maneuverability.
Key figures:
- Hydrogen capacity: 7.2 kg distributed in 4 tanks.
- Tank pressure: 700 bars.
- Total weight: 1 250 kg.
- Engine power: optimized for high-speed performance.
Suzuki and the HySE project: a strategic alliance
Suzuki joins a prestigious consortium made up of Honda, Yamaha, Toyota and Kawasaki, all united under the umbrella of the HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology) project. This partnership aims to design solutions adapted to light mobility and to promote the use of hydrogen as a viable and sustainable energy source.
For Suzuki, the Dakar represents a life-size laboratory. Indeed, this race, known for its extreme terrain and demanding conditions, is the ideal place to test the limits and robustness of hydrogen engines. The objective is clear: to prove that this technology can establish itself as a credible and efficient alternative to traditional thermal engines..
Hydrogen and the Dakar: a turning point for sustainable mobility
By integrating the “Mission 1000 ACT2” category of the Dakar, dedicated to low-carbon vehicles, the HySE-X2 becomes a symbol of the energy transition in motorsport. This approach is not limited to improving performance. It raises crucial questions about the future of alternative engines: can hydrogen be adapted to the challenges of mass transport? What are the costs and infrastructure necessary to democratize this technology?
While the advantages of hydrogen are obvious – no CO₂ emissions during use, competitive autonomy – challenges remain to be overcome. The high cost of high pressure tanks, limitations in the distribution network and production still largely dependent on fossil fuels are hampering its large-scale adoption.. Nevertheless, projects like this aim to accelerate the transition.
What are the challenges for the future of hydrogen?
The participation of the HySE-X2 in the Dakar 2025 sends a strong message: hydrogen is no longer a niche technology, but a serious alternative for demanding applications. If this competition can demonstrate the reliability of this solution in extreme environments, it could also catalyze investments in necessary infrastructure, including refueling stations.
Suzuki and its partners do not hide their ambitions. They aim not only to achieve victories in motorsport, but also to convince political and industrial decision-makers of the potential of hydrogen. In a world increasingly concerned about carbon neutrality, the development of clean energy solutions is becoming a top priority.
The road to an accelerated energy transition
By supporting initiatives like the HySE-X2 buggy, Suzuki is taking a position in the race for sustainable technologies. The success of this project could have implications well beyond the automotive world, in particular by influencing public policies in favor of green hydrogen production.
The Dakar 2025 will not only be a sporting challenge. It stands out as a test bed for innovations that could transform the way we think about and use energy. Suzuki's hydrogen buggy represents much more than a technological advance: it symbolizes the hope of a cleaner and more responsible energy future.
