Pioneering team takes on Dakar with hydrogen and recycled vegetable oil

team KH-7 ECOVERGY team returns to Dakar Rally We have the purpose and determination to lead the way towards the future of the automotive industry. After being able to become the first participant to complete an experiment using hydrogen as fuel in January last year; Jordi Giubanteny and Jose Luis Criado They return to the world’s toughest test with an inseparable track man 6×6 modified by e-arm. Xavi Rivas, head of development of the innovative hydrogen/HVO hybrid fuel system (renewable diesel from hydrotreated vegetable oil), will also be in attendance to experience first-hand what the competition is like from the cockpit this January. Masu.

Two Dakarian legends with a total of 63 editions

Yuvanteny and Criad Since their first few years, they have spent half their lives adventuring into deserts half way around the world. Africaup to Saudi Arabia latter and after passing through Saudi Arabia south america. In total he will take part no less than 63 times. The number was 31 for the Catalan pilot and 32 for Jaén’s co-pilot. This new venture represents a new boost in their long history, with which they hope to play their part towards a more sustainable tomorrow.

Recently, the team passed administrative and technical verification in Barcelona and dressed up to once again run the Dakar Rally for the first time since 2005. MAN 6×6 entered the port of Catalonia’s capital p.Heading to Arabia, members plan to retrieve it from the port of Yanbu on January 1st.

CO2 emissions reduced by 90%

Development of mixed hydrogen/HVO system (from renewable resources such as recycled cooking oil and organic waste) by EVARM last year A Spanish trio would be possible. In this case, the typical CO2 emissions of trucks with this characteristic are reduced by approximately 90%. The breakthrough after completing the 2023 Dakar with a system that uses hydrogen to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere by 40-50% is noteworthy.

On this occasion, they introduced a new category, the so-called mission 1000share your adventures with your bike. S×S and cars with other innovative systems in terms of sustainability and emissions levels. This category will be a unique test bed in the world to enhance the future efforts of the Dakar Rally organizers, and will have a route parallel to that of other competitors. The goal is for major test vehicles to use alternative energy sources by 2030. KH-7 Ecovirgy Team In our role as pioneers in this endeavor, we are proving that it is possible.

“Two years ago we set ourselves the challenge of using alternative fuels. In 2022 we will use LPG as truck fuel. Last year, we took a new step forward with hydrogen. Hydrogen has a major advantage over other fuels: emissions are reduced to water vapor. Although fuel cell technology is being used more at the automotive level (‘cold’ combustion of hydrogen to generate electricity), It also serves to directly power a conventional heat engine. “We chose this latest technology that has already been tested by various manufacturers.”Pilot Jordi Giubanteny explains:

News and changes

The truck is equipped with an 800 horsepower six-cylinder turbodiesel engine that has been modified to use a hydrogen/HVO mixture as fuel. Experience in 2023 will lead to various advances that will enable more hydrogen-rich mixtures, further reducing HVO consumption. The truck is equipped with two high-pressure hydrogen tanks at the rear in addition to the HVO (renewable fuel) tank.

Xavi Rivas is responsible for these engine modifications. industrial engineers and EVARM Director, Pioneer company in automobile engine modification Experts use alternative fuelsis excited to share his Dakar debut (after accompanying the team in the 2023 bivouac) with two legends like Hvanteny and Criado.

“Engine transformation includes the incorporation and adaptation of electronic, hydraulic and management systems to safely use hydrogen without compromising performance. Following last year’s experience, we have introduced an updated version of our electronics (ALX) to improve injection and reduce liquid fuel usage. “This is my first Dakar as a participant, but I participated last year as a team supporter and I am very excited about this challenge,” he points out.

José Luis Criado becomes the 33rd individual to achieve the feat.

In that respect, Jose Luis Criado, the most prominent Spanish participant in this test (the 2024 edition marks the 33rd time), highlights the great challenges he managed to overcome in 2023. – they had to go out every day until the special behind the last participant – and how important the initiatives and projects they carry out are for the future of the world of motorsport.

“Dakar 2023 was like climbing Mount Everest barefoot, but we overcame the obstacles and ups and downs and made it. The truck performed like we expected, and it was a very satisfying experience, proving that hydrogen technology is viable. It is interesting that the oldest people in Dakar, not the oldest, are the pioneers of alternative energy. This says a lot about us and our commitment to both race and the protection of the environment and planet. I think everyone should realize that and take steps because the world is dying and if we want to continue this kind of experimentation we have to promote alternative energy. We’re very excited and we’re rejuvenating because we’re implementing something very new, and that freshness is going to pass on to you. ” he admits.

dakar 2024

The 2024 Dakar will begin with a prologue on January 5th to determine the starting order for the first stage, and will compete in 12 stages over 13 days, ending on the 19th. fight against the harsh environment of A new stage format debuts in this edition: the terrifying 48 Hour Time Trial. Participants must complete a timed 580 kilometers in two days without any assistance, taking a break at sunset on the first day. In the middle of the desert.