In 2021, the Dakar announced the launch of a far-reaching energy transition programme called "Dakar Future". This gradual energy transition has two main planks: the transformation of the engines powering the cars and trucks in the race and the use of renewable energy to power an innovative bivouac.
And so the project becomes a reality. Years of thought and discussions have gone into this plan, working together with all the parties involved to establish a timeline stretching until 2030.
Dakar 2023: Biofuels just around the corner
The car category reached a milestone in the 2022 Dakar, when alternative fuel vehicles went head to head with the best and even managed to win four stages with three different drivers.
The performance of the Audi RS Q e-tron set a clear example for the constructors and private teams currently throwing their weight behind low-carbon technologies, a line of research that involves virtually every structure that competes in the rally. A growing number of teams have decided to use biofuels, which will reduce the carbon footprint of their vehicles by about 40%, as early as the next edition. Finally, elite crews will be required to field low-emission vehicles by 2026. The countdown has begun.
In line with the reform of enterprise regulations for the creation of a rally-raid world championship, the Dakar and the FIA are launching the T1-U (T1 Ultimate) category for prototypes running on low-carbon fuels. A title is at stake… and the constructors are already throwing their hats into the ring.
GAUSSIN, pioneer in the clean and intelligent mobility, defends the vision of a zero emission, 100% clean transportation industry to prevent climate change. GAUSSIN has achieved the feat of designing the H2 RACING TRUCK® in the space of a year, demonstrating its extraordinary passion and creativity.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Stimulated by a pioneering spirit, GAUSSIN took up the technological challenges of hydrogen propulsion while forging the partnerships necessary for the project’s success, often with world leaders. In doing so, they have illustrated the GAUSSIN’s mission to develop clean mobility technologies with the ultimate goal of a world without fossil fuels.
BIG STEPS OF THE PROJECT
- 2012: GAUSSIN engages with world famous research center CEA-Liten to develop its 1st Heavy Duty Hydrogen Powered truck dedicated to container transportation.
- 2014: Christophe Gaussin has the bold vision to disengage from fossil fuel vehicles and to be a pioneer in 100% green transportation systems. This has been achieved through a continuous focus on innovation and sustainable investment in engineering.
- 2016-2020: GAUSSIN brings to the market a full range of Electric and Hydrogen vehicles for both freight and people mobility.
- 2022: The H2 Racing Truck®, the world’s first 100% hydrogen powered racing truck demonstrate in Dakar 2022
