GreenGT H2

Much speculation has surrounded the inclusion of the GreenGT H2 at the June 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans. This prototype is a race car powered by hydrogen, and it will be the first of its kind to enter the well-known endurance event. It could be the beginning of a new era in competition cars.

GreenGT is a company that has spent years in developing sustainable, clean propulsion systems for vehicles, and they specialize in cars designed to be used in competition.

GreenGT H2

The GreenGT H2 has a fuel cell stack that is fed by hydrogen, giving the car 400kW of electric power. The car has a maximum capacity of 264 kWh.

The motors are found on the rear wheels, and are powered by the 18-cell array. The 3-phase AC motors develop an impressive 540 horsepower, and the designers claim that the vehicle has 2950 pound-feet of torque. The transmission has just one speed, and the differential gearbox is a special design by GreenGT. The top speed of the car is estimated at 186 mph and it uses racing tires that were specially developed for this vehicle by Dunlop.

The hydrogen fuel used by the GreenGT H2 is stored in tanks made of reinforced composite materials, on each side of the central carbon fiber structure of the car. Unless further modifications are made, there is only a 40 minute range between times you’ll have to stop for refills.

The prototype team is working on a way to extend that interval all the way to an hour. At the same time, they are prepared to reduce the race weight of the vehicle to 2200 pounds, from its current 2730 pounds. The company also plans to enter its H2 in the six hours of Spa race, in Belgium.

GreenGT had a prototype vehicle at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans, but they did not race it. They had more work to be done before the GreenGT H2 was fully developed, to the point where it is able to race in the event.The H2 has been called an impressive vehicle, especially considering the 4,000 Nm of torque that the two motors are able to generate. Since the car is electrically run, the torque should be available as needed. In addition, the emissions are only comprised of heat and water vapor. If it didn’t need to be refilled so often, it would be reasonable to assume that the GreenGT H2 would be far ahead of the competition at Le Mans. Electric vehicles on the whole would likely be more accepted by consumers if they could go farther distances without having to refill or recharge. Unless you only drive for very short distances, they aren’t very practical, at their present production levels.

Green car enthusiasts have been looking forward to their chance to check out the GreenGT H2 in person. Many people feel that this prototype will eventually replace the gas powered vehicles that are used in auto racing today.

For more info here is the GreenGT H2 technical data sheet