Studententeam TU Delft lanceert Forze IX, de overtreffende trap in racen op waterstof

English translation

Dutch student team unveils Forze IX, breaking ground in hydrogen-powered racing

• Maximum speed of 300 km/h;
• Boost power of 800 bhp;
• A unique kinetic energy recovery system;
• All-wheel drive with torque vectoring;
• Two fuel cells with more than 320 bhp.

Forze Hydrogen Racing team has unveiled the design of its hydrogen racing car: the Forze IX: even more innovation-packed and even faster than its predecessor. Shell is the proud main sponsor of this team of 60 smart tech students from Delft University of Technology. Their ambition: pioneering in the innovation of hydrogen for mobility and, eventually, to compete in Le Mans.

Innovative students

The students are taking a giant leap forward in hydrogen technology with the new race car. However, no matter how advanced the students' design has become, the race car still functions in the same way: hydrogen from the tanks is introduced into a fuel cell, creating water and electricity by means of a chemical reaction with oxygen. The car uses that electricity to drive its electric motors. "We want to continue to challenge ourselves and push the boundaries of technology," says Forze team manager Coen Tonnaer. "The Forze IX reaches its peak power of more than 800 bhp partly thanks to a double fuel cell and a super battery that can give a big 'adrenaline shot'."

To inspire

"That's what it's all about in the end," says Tonnaer: "We want to inspire people to embrace hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels and show that it is not inferior to conventional racing cars on the track."

Huge challenge

Developing the vehicle took more than two years, "an unprecedented challenge, especially over  the past period," the team manager says. "So many team members have put their heart and soul into this project over the years. To see all that come together in this car is fantastic." The next step for the team is to further test all systems so that the hydrogen racer can hit the track as quickly as possible.

Shell is Forze’s main sponsor, as the team is taking the next step in the development of hydrogen-powered racing. This will push forward sustainable mobility in its broadest sense and will further stimulate hydrogen as the fuel of today and the future.