Pipo Engine launches into the Dakar in hydrogen

The French engine manufacturer is aiming to participate in the Dakar by 2023.

Published on 07/10/2021 à 23:59

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Pipo Engine launches into the Dakar in hydrogen

Pipo Engines is aiming to participate in the Dakar by 2023. © Screenshot Dakar

We knew the name ICE (Internal combustion engine), particularly in Formula 1, to designate the thermal part of V6 turbo hybrids. Thanks to Pipo Engines, we will soon have to get used to the name HICE, particularly in the deserts that the Dakar will cross.

The company based in Guilherand-Granges (Ardèche) has been working on a thermal engine equipped with hybrid technology for around a year. “We started working in 2018-19 on synthetic hydrocarbons, second generation bioethanol, rewinds Frédéric Barozier, Director of Pipo Matériaux. But when hydrogen started to skyrocket, we asked ourselves the question: why not run combustion engines, with hydrogen? »

⚡️ Pipo Engines has been working with renowned manufacturers for years.
👉 The company's next challenge is to participate in the 2023 Dakar with a hydrogen engine as efficient as the existing combustion range.
More info here ⬇️#DakarFuture | # Dakar2030 pic.twitter.com/TEyL7FzmJ2

- DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) October 6, 2021

The engine manufacturer, who distinguished himself in 2021 through his work with the Team Cameron Glickenhaus in Hypercar at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (3rd with a brand new twin-turbo V8), is now tackling the rally-raid, always cultivating a desire to stand out.

“The hydrogen engine is the third generation of engine after gasoline and diesel in the last century. The usual parts are present but everything is different: the size of the turbos, the geometry of the cams, the volumetric ratios, continues the Director.

The advantage of the hydrogen combustion engine is its absence of CO2 emissions. The idea of the project is not to stop at competition, but to develop this technology with a view to road application. (large series. Editor’s note)."

Currently, Pipo Engines has not officially signed any partnership with a manufacturer, but there should be no shortage of potential customers, because the attractiveness of the Dakar is on the rise again thanks to the technical regulations promoting clean energy in the professional categories from 2022 (electric , then hydrogen accepted in 2023 before full generalization in 2026). “The first hydrogen engine must be started by the end of 2021. One of the first objectives is to be present at the 2023 Dakar.” This is (N)HICE.