Discover how Bosch Engineering and Ligier Automotive have showcased their prowess in alternative drive systems by unveiling a high-performance hydrogen-powered race car, the Ligier JS2 RH2, at the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
What’s Happening
In a breakthrough collaborative venture, Bosch Engineering and Ligier Automotive have launched a high-performance hydrogen-powered vehicle, the Ligier JS2 RH2. This vehicle, modified from the Ligier JS2 R race car, was unveiled at the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, illustrating the capacity of alternative and eco-friendly drive systems for high-performance applications such as motorsports.
Why It Matters
As Dr. Johannes-Jörg Rüger, President of Bosch Engineering, and Jacques Nicolet, President of Ligier Automotive, both assert, hydrogen engines offer significant potential for high-performance applications. With this demonstration vehicle, the companies underline their competence in the intricate domain of hydrogen engineering. Ligier Automotive, along with Bosch Engineering, demonstrate their readiness to tackle future challenges, offering innovative solutions for new energy integration.
Key Points
In the development of the Ligier JS2 RH2, Bosch Engineering helmed the overall vehicle design, engine and tank system concepts, and a comprehensive multistage hydrogen safety system. Ligier Automotive was entrusted with global vehicle dynamic performance, design of the monocoque, and the chassis adaptation. The car is powered by a 3.0-liter biturbo charged V6 hydrogen engine, with an output of 420 kilowatts that’s set for further optimization.
The vehicle’s advanced hydrogen safety concept includes a high-pressure storage system, pressure controllers, and supply lines to the engine and injection system. In addition, an extensive sensor system detects system leaks. Should a defect occur, the multistage active safety concept ranges from driver warnings to total system shutdown.
Adapting the Ligier JS2 R for hydrogen integration was a pivotal part of the project. Julien Jehanne, Plant Manager at Ligier Automotive, noted the substitution of the existing structure with a carbon monocoque and the utilization of their racing car construction experience to design reliable high-performance cars integrating new energies.
Bottom Line
Bosch Engineering, with its experience in super sports cars and motorsports and specific expertise in hydrogen, has been exploring concepts for hydrogen engines since 2016. This collaboration with Ligier Automotive serves as a significant step towards the future of eco-friendly high-performance vehicles, affirming the potential of hydrogen engines in the motor industry’s transformation.
