Ligier Automotive strengthens its hydrogen strategy: a 360° vision for tomorrow’s mobility.
For the third year in a row, Ligier Automotive will be at the heart of the H2 Village during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Ligier JS2 RH2, the brand's first hydrogen-powered race car developed in collaboration with Bosch Engineering, will once again be on display. This rolling laboratory continues to serve as a development platform for gaseous hydrogen solutions while enabling the company to advance its work on liquid hydrogen—now a top priority. Ligier Automotive's ongoing presence in the H2 Village underscores its commitment to becoming a key player in the hydrogen mobility space.
An ambitious hydrogen strategy
The Ligier JS2 RH2: a rolling lab
Developed in partnership with Bosch Engineering, the Ligier JS2 RH2 is Ligier Automotive's first race car powered by gaseous hydrogen. Since its unveiling at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, the car has logged over 5,000 kilometers in testing, proving the reliability and performance of its hydrogen system.
As a true development platform, the Ligier JS2 RH2 allows Ligier Automotive to continue refining its gaseous hydrogen technologies, particularly in the area of storage. The car will be showcased at the H2 Village and will take part in on-track demonstration runs on Thursday and Saturday, just before the start of the race, alongside the Alpenglow concept car—another hydrogen prototype to which Ligier Automotive contributed. For the Alpenglow, Ligier was specifically involved in the design of the hydrogen circuit, the “hardware”, the storage of hydrogen and its cooling, as well as the integration of these different elements into the Ligier LMP3 base.
“We're proud to see the Ligier JS2 RH2 running alongside Alpenglow during these demonstration laps. It highlights our ability to work on innovative projects with partners and on behalf of major manufacturers like Alpine. But our work doesn't stop there. With the FIA prioritizing liquid hydrogen for motorsports, we're now focusing our R&D efforts in that direction,” explains Richard Tur, COO of Ligier Automotive.
Pioneering liquid hydrogen technology
Liquid hydrogen is now central to Ligier Automotive's development roadmap. Having validated its gaseous hydrogen system with the Ligier JS2 RH2, the company is turning its focus to this complex but high-potential technology. The goal: to stay ahead of FIA regulations, which are expected to favor liquid hydrogen in future racing series.
Ligier Automotive has already conducted a comprehensive component mapping to identify the critical parts and subsystems required for liquid hydrogen integration. Working closely with partners from industries such as aerospace and aviation, the company is analyzing existing technologies, adapting best practices, and developing innovative solutions to ensure both performance and safety.
“This work allows us to build unique expertise that can serve both the motorsport and broader automotive industries. Depending on the outcomes of our R&D efforts, we may even be able to offer select components directly from our developments,” says Julien Jehanne, Director of Ligier's Amilly facility, which specializes in concept cars, development prototypes, and special projects.
This expertise positions Ligier Automotive as a go-to partner for manufacturers exploring liquid hydrogen, while also paving the way for future in-house demonstrators—once the regulatory framework is in place.
A 360° hydrogen vision
Ligier Automotive is taking a holistic approach to hydrogen, looking far beyond the integration of hydrogen systems into race car chassis. The company is actively assessing related infrastructure, testing platforms for future hydrogen systems, and the retrofitting of traditional internal combustion engines to run on hydrogen—a key step toward a more sustainable mobility landscape.
One of the next projects under consideration: the development of a hydrogen-powered track day car. Designed to let enthusiasts experience hydrogen technology on the track, this project reflects Ligier Automotive's commitment to making hydrogen performance accessible and practical, while accelerating system testing and refinement in real-world conditions.
“Hydrogen isn't just a technical solution for racing—it's a cross-sector technology that demands a full ecosystem. We're working hand-in-hand with all players in the energy transition, well beyond the automotive world, to identify innovative solutions, implement best practices, and ensure smooth integration into real-world applications—whether in motorsports, production vehicles, or even energy infrastructure,” concludes Richard Tur.
Meet our hydrogen experts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Meet our hydrogen experts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Throughout Le Mans race week, Ligier Automotive's hydrogen specialists will be available at the H2 Village to answer questions from journalists, industry professionals, and fans.To arrange a meeting with one of our experts, feel free to get in touch now.
Ligier Automotive looks forward to seeing you at the H2 Village to discuss the future of hydrogen mobility.
Photo credit: DPPI