In May 2023, an unprecedented grouping saw the light of day in the Japanese automobile industry. Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, Toyota and Suzuki joined forces to form the HySE consortium. This exceptional collaboration aims to develop cutting-edge technologies in the field of alternative engines.
The fruit of this alliance materialized in 2024 with the participation of HySE-X1 at the Dakar Rally. This first prototype rose to fourth place in the “Mission 1000 ACT2” category, thus showing the potential of hydrogen technology in the extreme conditions of the Saudi desert.
Building on this experience, the consortium embarked on the development of a new, even more efficient buggy: the HySE-X2. This vehicle embodies the ambition of Japanese manufacturers to revolutionize the world of rally raids.
HySE-X2: a major development for the 2025 Dakar
The HySE-X2 is not a simple improvement on its predecessor. This is a complete overhaul incorporating the lessons learned from the first participation in the Dakar. Engineers have redesigned every aspect of the vehicle to optimize its performance and range.
Here are the main developments of the HySE-X2 compared to the previous model:
- An extended chassis allowing the addition of a fourth hydrogen tank
- A total capacity of 7.2 kg of hydrogen stored at 700 bars
- A significant reduction, going from 1500 kg to 1250 kg
- Revised dimensions for more compactness and aerodynamics
These improvements aim to give the HySE-X2 the necessary assets to shine during Dakar Rally 2025which will be held from January 3 to 17 in Saudi Arabia.
Hydrogen technology at the heart of performance
The heart of the HySE-X2 remains its 998 cc four-cylinder hydrogen engine. This innovative engine combines the advantages of a traditional thermal engine with the cleanliness of hydrogen as a fuel. The result is a vehicle capable of high performance while minimizing its environmental impact.
Here is a comparative table of the technical characteristics of the HySE-X1 and the HySE-X2:
| Features | HySE-X1 | HySE-X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3 530 mm | 4 000 mm |
| Width | 2 070 mm | 2 000 mm |
| Height | 700 mm | 900 mm |
| Weight | 1 500 kg | 1 250 kg |
| Number of hydrogen tanks | 3 | 4 |
| On-board capacity | Not communicated | 7,2 kg |
Perspectives and challenges for the future of rally-raid
The participation of the HySE-X2 in the 2025 Dakar Rally is much more than just a race. It’s a technology showcase for the Japanese automobile industry and a important step towards the decarbonization of motor sports. The success of this project could pave the way for a new era in the world of rally raid and beyond.
The challenges remain numerous for the HySE team. The reliability, range and performance of the HySE-X2 will be put to the test in the extreme conditions of the Saudi desert. On the other hand, the experience acquired during the previous edition and the improvements made to the new prototype suggest promising results.
As the world of motorsport seeks to reinvent itself in the face of environmental challenges, the HySE consortium initiative could well serve as a model for the future. The 2025 Dakar Rally promises to be a historic turning point, where the hydrogen technology could prove its potential on a grand scale in one of the most demanding races in the world.
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