The first water-based engine, unveiled to the world: It has created the “Hypercar”, and it’s legendary

by D. García

 

 09/06/2024

 

in Mobility

 

 

Credits: The Spokesman-Review

 

 

 

 

 

Hydrogen mobility has smashed EVs, even those from Tesla and BYD. However, even legendary brands like Toyota and Hyundai have reason to worry, even more so now that what appears to be the first “water-based engine” has been created. They have just put it into operation, and it is already mounted on what is known as the Hypercar. You will soon understand that the name is not a metaphor, but a statement of intent about what the mobility of the future will be like, more ambitious and sustainable than ever.

 

The future is not EVs, but this new fuel: It’s water-based, and will change everything

The French carmaker Alpine has revealed its latest piece of technology, called the Alpenglow Hy4; it is a hydrogen-powered car prototype that represents the brand’s move towards the green future. This is an innovative vehicle which can be used as a prototype of hydrogen combustion technology in car industry.

At the essence of Alpenglow Hy4 can be a hybrid of four strokes, in a double-acting four-stroke engine, 2. Modern 0-liter inline-four cylinder turbocharged engine. This powerplant shows that Alpine has adopted it to run on hydrogen; thus proving that it is conversant with the new generation fuel.

 

The engine can produce a massive 340 bhp or 250 kW, which is more than enough to prove that hydrogen combustion does offer rather impressive horsepower as compared to petrol engines. Among the unique selling points of this hydrogen engine is the fact that it can reach as high as 7000 RPM; a fact that places it in the same league as some of the demanding petrol engines.

The Alpenglow Hy4 engine, to revolutionize global mobility: Why do we need EVs?

The Alpenglow Hy4 utilizes a direct injection system, in which a pressure of forty bar is used to inject hydrogen into the combustion chamber. This high pressure injection system which enhances the delivery of fuel and its combustion into the engines makes it efficient. The second technology implemented in the Hy4 in order to enhance the engine performance.

 

Storing hydrogen onboard is a challenge that needs to be solved for any hydrogen powered vehicle, and Alpine seems to have taken care of it well. The Alpenglow Hy4 comes with three hydrogen tanks for fuel storage, with the tanks having the capacity to hold up to 2. This means you will get one kilogram of hydrogen in gaseous state that has an astonishing pressure of 700 bar.

These tanks are mounted in the sidepods and behind the driver, and they guarantee that weight is evenly distributed throughout the car’s body while still providing safety. Alpine has further asserted that the Alpenglow Hy4 can perform as indicated by a four-cycle machine like its gasoline-driven counterparts.

Up to 168 mph and extreme power efficiency, but only a prototype: Could it be large-scale commercialize?

The prototype can achieve a speed of around 270 km/h (168 mph) to prove that hydrogen combustion can achieve performance-oriented attributes. As for the acceleration, exact figures have not been disclosed, but given maximum output of 340 bhp allied with the characteristics of hydrogen combustion, acceleration probably is rather good, specifically in comparison with Alpenglow Hy4.

As of now, the Alpenglow Hy4 still is only a prototype, concept and technology vehicle. Currently, there is no information as to when Alpine will move to the commercial level. Still, the creation of this prototype shows that Alpine is ready to utilize hydrogen technology in the future production vehicles.

Jack Nicholson was driving a hydrogen car 46 years ago.  
 

 

What is the amount needed in government subsidy $$$ for hydrogen powered cars vs. ev’s?