Hear it roar: HydroTeam KU Leuven's hydrogen engine runs in the car

KU Leuven's HydroTeam, the student team behind Belgium's first hydrogen-powered race car, has reached an important milestone: the new hydrogen engine is now in the car, running and making sound. The project has shifted from separate components to a coherent, roaring whole.

From standalone engine to running power source

Earlier, the team replaced the original Ford V6 with a new, optimised power source and installed the high-pressure hydrogen fuel system. Now those steps have come together: the engine is integrated into the race car and runs under its own power. For a student team that designs and builds a hydrogen race car entirely by itself, that is tangible proof the technology works.

The HydroTeam deliberately chose a hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2-ICE) rather than a fuel cell. That choice means less complexity, lower costs and a lighter vehicle. And the less weight a car has to carry, the less energy it takes to get it moving. One pleasant side effect is immediately audible: the car keeps the characteristic roar of a real race car. Who said zero-emission had to be silent?

Safety as the foundation

Working with hydrogen under high pressure demands rigorous safety. The team is therefore supported technically by inspection company Vinçotte. The collaboration has been running since 2025: Vinçotte helped map out potential explosion-hazard zones around the hydrogen storage and piping, and assisted with the legally required documentation and a safety plan. Now that the fuel system is integrated, its experts carry out the critical visual inspections to confirm everything is fit for service.

On the road to Le Mans

The HydroTeam's ultimate goal is to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2030, when a dedicated hydrogen class is expected. Along the way, the team is targeting smaller races, such as Belgium's Belcar series, to gain experience. The current car mainly serves as a test and development platform; a next generation is set to become fully race-ready.

This project is a great illustration of why the energy transition is so exciting. Alongside battery-electric driving, the HydroTeam shows that hydrogen combustion can be a powerful, tangible and zero-emission route to clean mobility, while preserving Europe's expertise in combustion engines.

Hear it for yourself

In the video, the hydrogen engine runs in the blue-and-orange race car carrying start number 56. Turn the sound on and hear what a zero-emission race car sounds like.

Sources

• Vinçotte – vincotte.be (LinkedIn update and blog)
• VRT NWS – vrt.be
• Ecotips – ecotips.org
• WaterstofNet – waterstofnet.eu
• HydroTeam KU Leuven – hydroteam.be