Creativity. Ferrari prepares its first hydrogen engine

While all manufacturers are banking on 100% electric, some brands are also banking on hydrogen. Obviously we think of Toyota and its Mirai or Hyundai and its Nexo.

If these two models are the only ones on the market for mass-produced hydrogen, others are trying the scene, especially startups like Hyperion in the United States.

In France, the heavily subsidized Hopium company made a lot of promises and burned a lot of money, without concrete results. But others, more dignified, seem to believe.

Ferrari interested in hydrogen

Ferrari is also thinking about the future and has just filed a patent for a hydrogen-powered HICE hybrid engine. This six cylinder uses an electrically driven turbo.

The traditional V-shaped design has been abandoned in favor of an inline six-cylinder engine. Unlike normal, the cylinders are “head down”, while the crankshaft is on top.

Two hydrogen tanks are connected to the intake system to reduce the overall dimensions of the engine.

Technology from Formula 1

For Ferrari, the technology used in F1 could point the way for future production cars. The supercharging system consists of two compressors and two turbines, which are not mechanically connected.

The first electric motor, located above the engine block, connects the compressors. The second electric motor is placed under the engine, with turbines.

Technology derived from Scuderia Ferrari’s experience at the highest level of competition.

All solutions were studied

This hydrogen solution, which currently only exists in a patent state, does not make any sense. The patent actually uses an alternative solution with two separate motors for each of the two compressors.

A solution that would involve more complicated development, but would completely eliminate the electrical component. What we can say today is that Ferrari is working on a hydrogen engine.

Ferrari confirms

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigma confirms with one heart: “The internal combustion engine still has a long way to go.” A future that probably involves hydrogen.

A way to integrate environmental constraints while ensuring the future of Ferrari mechanics. Will we see the return of the Ferrari V12, in the form of hydrogen combustion? The future will tell.