The automotive industry is increasingly shifting towards hydrogen-powered vehicles as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. Alpine, a performance car brand traditionally known for its sports cars, is now embracing this trend by exploring hydrogen technology in its future models. By joining the movement towards hydrogen, Alpine aims to combine its commitment to innovation and high-performance engineering with eco-friendly solutions, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving automotive landscape.
Alpine joins the hydrogen train
As part of Renault’s (Alpine’s parent company) ongoing efforts to advance future mobility technologies, Alpine unveiled the Alpenglow concept car at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, proudly dubbing it the “mother of all future Alpines.” This innovative model highlighted the brand’s research into hydrogen-powered heat engines and their integration into sports cars, marking a significant step toward decarbonization in the automotive industry.
The first opportunity to witness the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 in action came on May 11, 2024, at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. In front of an audience of over 70,000 motorsport fans, the event was intended to showcase how hydrogen-powered internal combustion technology can uphold the excitement and performance of a true racing car.
Alpenglow specifications: Futuristic innovation
The car features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 340 horsepower. This four-cylinder powerplant reaches up to 7,000 rpm and is powered by three hydrogen tanks, each holding 4.6 pounds of hydrogen at 700 bar pressure. The engine’s output is delivered to the road through a sequential transmission. Although the Hy4 is designed solely for the track, Alpine sees the potential for its powertrain technology to be adapted for a street-legal model. The French brand even considers a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine to be a “tremendously promising solution for road use.”
The Hy4 differs slightly from the original Alpenglow 2022 concept vehicle. Alpine has made some adjustments to the car’s body. The crash structure has been modified to accommodate a two-seat cabin, and the hydrogen tanks are now integrated into the side pods. The car is also slightly taller than the concept and features a reworked aerodynamic package, highlighted by a new roof scoop.
The future of the Hy4
The Alpenglow Hy4 has already been upgraded to the Alpenglow Hy6 earlier this year, which represents a significant evolution of the previous prototype. While the Hy4 was a running prototype of the 2022 Alpenglow concept, the Hy6 takes things further with a major upgrade in power. The previous turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 340 horsepower has been replaced by a more potent 3.5-liter V-6 twin-turbo, producing 730 horsepower and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque, which is channeled to the rear axle.
Alpine has confirmed plans to produce a new supercar, though it remains unclear whether it will feature a hydrogen-powered combustion engine or a fully electric drivetrain. In the meantime, the French brand is preparing for its debut in the United States in the next few years. From 2027, Alpine vehicles will be available to purchase.
The car industry is increasingly looking to hydrogen engines as a complementary technology to electric vehicles, offering a promising alternative for achieving sustainable mobility. While Toyota has been dominating the hydrogen market, other brands like Alpine are not far behind. While electric cars dominate the market, hydrogen-powered vehicles provide key advantages including faster refueling times and longer driving ranges which make them particularly suited for certain use cases like long-distance driving and heavy-duty transport. Many automakers are beginning to incorporate hydrogen engines into their lineups alongside their electric vehicle offerings to cater to a broader range of consumer needs and reduce carbon emissions across various sectors.
Alpine, traditionally known for its sporty and high-performance vehicles, is embracing hydrogen technology as part of its strategy for the future. Even electrical giants like Tesla are exploring hydrogen options, and by exploring hydrogen-powered engines, Alpine is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in the automotive sector. The brand is focusing on developing hydrogen-based powertrains that will not only contribute to decarbonization but also maintain the performance and excitement expected from its vehicles, making it a key player in the emerging hydrogen mobility landscape.
