Bosch, Maserati, and Ligier to showcase hydrogen engine supercar at Le Mans

Bosch Engineering, Maserati, and Ligier Automotive will exhibit a hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) high-performance sports car at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The Ligier JS2 RH2, powered by a 3-litre V6 twin-turbo hydrogen engine, will complete a demonstration lap before the famous race commences in northwestern France on June 13.

Its hydrogen ICE was adapted from a Maserati gasoline engine, with modifications made to fuel injection, pistons, ignition and engine management systems.

Core architecture, including the cylinder head, turbochargers, and dry-sump system were retained.

Since the car’s predecessor was , the trio claims to have completed over 8,000km of track testing, with the ICE producing 480kW and 880Nm of torque.

Jacques Nicolet, President of Ligier Automotive, said the vehicle validates the potential of hydrogen in motorsport and opens the door to greater demonstrations for alternatively powered vehicles.

While the exhibition presents a test case for hydrogen ICEs in endurance racing, in broader mobility settings, the gas’s use faces criticism for its low energy efficiency compared to electric solutions.

Many proponents still argue it could play a role in heavy-duty, long-haul applications, where electric vehicles face constraints related to payload and uptime.