First Commercial Hydrogen Race: The 24h Race at Le Mans

In 2013, the green-hued racers of the NEXTEV TCR team showcased the capabilities of hydrogen vehicles by competing in the 24-hour race at Le Mans, illustrating the growing acceptance of hydrogen technology in motorsport. Before this landmark event, racing was dominated by traditional petrol engines, but the successful participation of a hydrogen vehicle highlighted its potential for high-performance applications. The focus within the motorsport community has since shifted towards sustainability, with manufacturers realizing the competitive advantages that hydrogen could offer. By participating in such a prestigious event, the NEXTEV TCR team not only emphasized the feasibility of hydrogen in races, but also influenced consumer perceptions about hydrogen power beyond just urban use—demonstrating its versatility and performance capabilities.

Hydrogen's First Race: The Mercedes-Benz F 100

In 1966, the Mercedes-Benz F 100, a pioneering hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, captured global attention. Known for its sleek design and innovative technology, it utilized a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell to generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, marking a significant moment in automotive research. Prior to this event, the automotive industry was dominated by conventional gasoline engines, heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The introduction of the F 100 demonstrated the potential of hydrogen technology, paving the way for further research and development. Its presence at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt showcased not just a vehicle, but a vision of a cleaner, sustainable future in mobility. This concept influenced future hydrogen models and spurred automotive manufacturers worldwide to explore alternative fuels more seriously, ultimately leading to the modern hydrogen economy we see today.

Toyota's Mirai: A Second-Gen Revolution

In 2021, Toyota released the second generation of its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which not only improved efficiency but also boasted a more refined design and enhanced driving range. This generation came equipped with a revised hydrogen tank system, allowing for a driving range of over 400 miles. Before Mirai's introduction, most consumers were unaware of hydrogen's potential as a fuel source; however, this new iteration aimed to elevate public knowledge and interest. Toyota’s emphasis on performance alongside eco-friendliness influenced the broader market, motivating competitors to innovate in the hydrogen space. This release underscored a crucial pivot in the automotive sector, urging manufacturers to balance sustainability with performance and paving the way for future developments in hydrogen technology.

Hyundai's Nexo: A Commitment to Hydrogen Future

In 2020, Hyundai launched the Nexo, a hydrogen-powered SUV that marked a significant step in the mass adoption of fuel cell vehicles across the globe. The Nexo boasted a range of up to 380 miles on a single charge and surpassed traditional electric vehicles in refueling time, taking just minutes. Leading up to this launch, consumer interest in sustainable vehicles had been growing, while the infrastructure for hydrogen refueling remained sparse. The Nexo demonstrated Hyundai's commitment to a hydrogen-powered future, serving both as a practical vehicle for everyday use and a symbol of technological advancement. By making hydrogen available in an SUV format, Hyundai aimed to broaden its appeal to a mass-market audience; this key development highlighted the transitional phase of the automotive industry towards environmentally sustainable solutions.

Honda's Clarity: A Groundbreaking Hydrogen Sedan

In 2002, Honda unveiled the FCX, the world's first dedicated hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle aimed for commercial use. This vehicle, powered by Honda's innovative fuel cell technology, was a leap forward in automotive engineering, producing only water vapor as exhaust. Before its introduction, hydrogen vehicles were largely seen as experimental; the FCX demonstrated real-world applicability and reliability for consumers. This shift encouraged other manufacturers to enter the hydrogen vehicle space, leading to more significant investments in fuel cell technology. The FCX’s success was pivotal in increasing public awareness and acceptance of hydrogen as a viable alternative to gasoline, influencing policies and regulatory environments for cleaner energy vehicles globally.

NEXTEV TCR: First Commercial Hydrogen Race — And 4 More Facts

Did you know the NEXTEV TCR was the first hydrogen vehicle to race at Le Mans? It changed the game for hydrogen tech in motorsport. Check it out! 👇

By The Car Geek · May 30, 2026

NEXTEV TCR (2013) — First Commercial Hydrogen Race: The 24h Race at Le Mans

01
First Commercial Hydrogen Race: The 24h Race at Le Mans
In 2013, the green-hued racers of the NEXTEV TCR team showcased the capabilities of hydrogen vehicles by competing in the 24-hour race at Le Mans, illustrating the growing acceptance of hydrogen technology in motorsport. Before this landmark event, racing was dominated by traditional petrol engines, but the successful participation of a hydrogen vehicle highlighted its potential for high-performance applications. The focus within the motorsport community has since shifted towards sustainability, with manufacturers realizing the competitive advantages that hydrogen could offer. By participating in such a prestigious event, the NEXTEV TCR team not only emphasized the feasibility of hydrogen in races, but also influenced consumer perceptions about hydrogen power beyond just urban use—demonstrating its versatility and performance capabilities.
NEXTEV TCR (2013) — First Commercial Hydrogen Race: The 24h Race at Le Mans
02
Hydrogen's First Race: The Mercedes-Benz F 100
In 1966, the Mercedes-Benz F 100, a pioneering hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, captured global attention. Known for its sleek design and innovative technology, it utilized a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell to generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, marking a significant moment in automotive research. Prior to this event, the automotive industry was dominated by conventional gasoline engines, heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The introduction of the F 100 demonstrated the potential of hydrogen technology, paving the way for further research and development. Its presence at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt showcased not just a vehicle, but a vision of a cleaner, sustainable future in mobility. This concept influenced future hydrogen models and spurred automotive manufacturers worldwide to explore alternative fuels more seriously, ultimately leading to the modern hydrogen economy we see today.
Mercedes-Benz F 100 (1966) — Hydrogen's First Race: The Mercedes-Benz F 100
03
Toyota's Mirai: A Second-Gen Revolution
In 2021, Toyota released the second generation of its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which not only improved efficiency but also boasted a more refined design and enhanced driving range. This generation came equipped with a revised hydrogen tank system, allowing for a driving range of over 400 miles. Before Mirai's introduction, most consumers were unaware of hydrogen's potential as a fuel source; however, this new iteration aimed to elevate public knowledge and interest. Toyota’s emphasis on performance alongside eco-friendliness influenced the broader market, motivating competitors to innovate in the hydrogen space. This release underscored a crucial pivot in the automotive sector, urging manufacturers to balance sustainability with performance and paving the way for future developments in hydrogen technology.
Toyota Mirai (2021) — Toyota's Mirai: A Second-Gen Revolution
04
Hyundai's Nexo: A Commitment to Hydrogen Future
In 2020, Hyundai launched the Nexo, a hydrogen-powered SUV that marked a significant step in the mass adoption of fuel cell vehicles across the globe. The Nexo boasted a range of up to 380 miles on a single charge and surpassed traditional electric vehicles in refueling time, taking just minutes. Leading up to this launch, consumer interest in sustainable vehicles had been growing, while the infrastructure for hydrogen refueling remained sparse. The Nexo demonstrated Hyundai's commitment to a hydrogen-powered future, serving both as a practical vehicle for everyday use and a symbol of technological advancement. By making hydrogen available in an SUV format, Hyundai aimed to broaden its appeal to a mass-market audience; this key development highlighted the transitional phase of the automotive industry towards environmentally sustainable solutions.
Hyundai Nexo (2020) — Hyundai's Nexo: A Commitment to Hydrogen Future
05
Honda's Clarity: A Groundbreaking Hydrogen Sedan
In 2002, Honda unveiled the FCX, the world's first dedicated hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle aimed for commercial use. This vehicle, powered by Honda's innovative fuel cell technology, was a leap forward in automotive engineering, producing only water vapor as exhaust. Before its introduction, hydrogen vehicles were largely seen as experimental; the FCX demonstrated real-world applicability and reliability for consumers. This shift encouraged other manufacturers to enter the hydrogen vehicle space, leading to more significant investments in fuel cell technology. The FCX’s success was pivotal in increasing public awareness and acceptance of hydrogen as a viable alternative to gasoline, influencing policies and regulatory environments for cleaner energy vehicles globally.
Honda FCX (2002) — Honda's Clarity: A Groundbreaking Hydrogen Sedan

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Car Facts Daily · Issue 081