Supercharged hydrogen-powered Kawasaki H2 concept completes demo lap of Le Mans 24 Hours course

Kawasaki kicked off proceedings at the Le Mans 24 hours endurance race on April 19 with a lap of the 2.6-mile Bugatti Circuit course aboard their supercharged hydrogen-powered hyperbike concept.

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Known simply as the HySE prototype, the striking machine comes as a result of Kawasaki’s involvement in the Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology Association – a consortium of automotive heavy hitters including Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Toyota, and more exploring hydrogen as a potential fuel source.

The bike made its public debut in July 2024 in Japan and is powered a H2-derived supercharged 998cc inline four engine, fuelled exclusively by hydrogen – stored in the large pannier shaped canisters to the rear of the machine. A previous video shared by Kawasaki also shows it’s refuelled directly into these canisters using a special pipe.

“Our research into hydrogen power illustrates well the Kawasaki principles of not only embracing new technologies but also applying practical applications to them,” rider and Kawasaki employee, Matthias Hoeppner said after the ride.

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“Being one of the test riders I am well used to the HySE machine by now, but it still gives me a thrill each time I ride it knowing it is powered exclusively by hydrogen.

“The demonstration lap was shown live on worldwide television and the huge crowd really appreciated the chance to see an actual working example of hydrogen motive power applied to a motorcycle.”

The bike took to the French course just 15 minutes before the start of the race, ridden in damp conditions. The event organiser ASO plans to one day host a full 24-hour endurance race for electric and hydrogen powered cars only and used the Kawasaki machine to help reinforce this long-term goal to the crowds.

Development on the concept bike began in March 2023, with test runs beginning in 2024. The chassis has been designed to accommodate the additional hydrogen cylinders, with the fuel source requiring significantly more space than conventional petrol when stored.

A typical 15-litre tank, for example, weighs around 12kg, however hydrogen is nearly three times as energy dense – meaning you could get a similar amount of power/range from about 4kg. However, at atmospheric pressure 4kg of hydrogen would fill 44,000 litres of space – requiring a theoretical cube around 3.5 metres along each edge to store it which isn’t practical for a motorcycle.

Once onboard, this fuel is then directly injected into the cylinders of the modified engine.

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Despite the drawbacks, Kawasaki are continuing to develop the idea, with the brand previously announcing plans to produce a functioning hydrogen ICE motorcycle for riders in the early 2030s.

“Hydrogen engines produce power like conventional gasoline engines: air is taken in, mixed with fuel, and then combusted,” said Project Leader, Satoaki Ichi said at the first concept reveal. “When hydrogen combusts, water is produced. If you hold your hand near the tailpipe, you can feel it is moist. It is like a humidifier on wheels.”

Further hydrogen-powered machinery on display at Le Mans also included a model train, and a generator. Kawasaki also book-ended the race with a place on the podium with the French Webike Trickstar team.