THE HYDROGEN OPTION

Sven Quandt dismissed a hydrogen-powered option for Audi if it wanted to contend for overall victory on the Dakar Rally. But that’s not the end of the story for the ‘other’ big alternative power solution expected to play a major part in our future mobility.

Green Corp Konnection, better known as GCK Motorsport, showcased its hydrogen-powered contender at the Dakar Rally this year, which it hopes to race at the 2024 edition. The project is a collaboration with German company FEV and revolves around a fuel cell containing 20kg of hydrogen maintained at a pressure of 700 bar, with a power capability of 200kw (268bhp). The fuel cell is connected directly, like the Audi, to a 50kwh lithium-ion battery and a twin-gear electric motor for a final output of 320kw – about 430bhp.

Lag on and off the throttle is a problem with hydrogen power, but GCK’S concept uses the battery as a ‘buffer’ to counter this disadvantage. As with all battery solutions, weight is an unavoidable issue at a hefty 2200kg, equivalent to the Audi.

But Quandt has a point on range. The Q Motorsport boss reckons only 250km is possible with a hydrogen fuel cell, which is less than half the job required for a Dakar stage. GCK predicts exactly that for its prototype too, but is banking on a rule change for mid-stage refuelling in line with what is allowed for the T3 and T4 ‘lightweight prototype’ classes.

GCK is also the company behind the exciting all-electric Lancia Delta Integrale set to race in the new-look World Rallycross Championship this year. It’s all good fuel for the ongoing debate on motorsport’s future.