The truck was developed by French manufacturer Gaussin
The first hydrogen-fuelled racing truck was introduced to the Dakar Rally on Saturday. The truck is sponsored by Saudi Arabian energy giant Aramco and developed by French manufacturer Gaussin.
“This is a milestone in the development of hydrogen as a lower-carbon fuel and the first time a hydrogen truck has entered the Dakar Rally,” Ahmad Al Sa’adi, Aramco’s senior vice president of Technical Services said.
“Through our exclusive sponsorship of the Gaussin H2 Truck, we aim to showcase its potential in the most demanding conditions. Hydrogen has the potential to enable emissions reduction in the transport sector, particularly in segments that are difficult to decarbonise — such as heavy duty vehicles,” Al Sa’adi added.
“Looking ahead, Aramco is working to localise the manufacturing of hydrogen vehicles in Saudi Arabia as well as develop hydrogen vehicles technologies though its Advanced Innovation Center (LAB7),” he concluded.
The Dakar Rally is an off-road endurance event that has been held in Saudi Arabia since 2020. The rally features gruelling terrain that can prove difficult for conventional vehicles.
Last month, Aramco announced that it had signed an agreement with Gaussin to establish a modern manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia focused on on-road and off-road hydrogen powered vehicles.
In a statement, the two companies announced that Aramco’s Advanced Innovation Center (LAB7) would be working closely with Gaussin’s hydrogen-powered vehicle and remote controlled/autonomous hydrogen racing truck developments.
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