Ferrari is seeking to revolutionize the future of combustion engines by investigating hydrogen-powered internal combustion technology. In a recent patent application, the Italian automaker hints at its consideration of hydrogen as a means to traverse stringent emissions regulations while maintaining the essence of combustion engines.
Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, which rely on electricity generated to power motors, Ferrari’s proposed hydrogen combustion engines would burn hydrogen directly instead of gasoline, emitting no carbon dioxide in the process. While not entirely novel, BMW experimented with a hydrogen-powered 7-Series in the early 2000s. This marks Ferrari’s first public venture into the domain of hydrogen technology, presenting it as a potential game-changer in emission reduction.
The patent application, published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on Feb. 29, outlines Ferrari’s vision of hydrogen engines producing minimal greenhouse gases and pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulates. However, the carbon footprint of hydrogen production remains a concern, with variations in emission levels depending on production methods, as noted by the Rocky Mountain Institute.
Acknowledging hydrogen’s lower energy density compared to gasoline, Ferrari concedes in its patent application that vehicles equipped with hydrogen-combustion engines may require larger onboard storage for an equivalent range, leading to potential increases in size and weight. Despite these challenges, the promise of quick refueling times offers a potential solution to range limitations, albeit facing similar infrastructure hurdles as fuel-cell vehicles.
While Ferrari’s hydrogen pursuits are still in the conceptual stage, other automakers like Toyota have already taken tangible steps. Toyota, in collaboration with Yamaha, introduced a hydrogen-powered Corolla race car in 2021 and showcased a hydrogen-fueled V-8 engine based on the Lexus RC F in 2022.
As Porsche invests in synthetic fuels to address climate-change concerns while preserving internal combustion engines, Ferrari’s exploration of hydrogen technology suggests a potential avenue for the iconic automaker to adapt and thrive in an evolving automotive industry.