Liquid Hydrogen Is The Racetrack Energy Source Objective Of Mission H24

At Hyvolution Paris, in Hall 4 of the Parc des Expos, the MissionH24 stand attracted a large number of visitors shortly after midday on January 28th. Around the H24EVO, a hydrogen prototype, specialists in this energy carrier, motorsport players, media, institutional representatives, researchers… Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and Co-Chairman of MissionH24, Jean-Michel Bouresche, CEO of H24Project and Co-Chairman of MissionH24, Bassel Aslan, Technical Director of MissionH24, and Nicolas Aubourg, Head of Performance and Chassis Research and Development for the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, shared their experience and objectives in terms of energy transition via hydrogen with the assembled audience. Image Credit: MissionH24 (2025)

Liquid Hydrogen Is The Racetrack Energy Source Objective Of Mission H24

Since 2018 and the launch of the program in collaboration between Automobile Club de l'Ouest and H24Project, the deployment of competitive hydrogen has been evident. 

After introducing gas hydrogen on the track, participating in Endurance races, refueled with a dedicated H2 mobile system, sharing its research with numerous institutions, MissionH24 explores a new track: liquid hydrogen.

January 2025 marks the beginning of the new era of developmental efforts at Mission H24.

TRANSLATION FB/META Exhibit:

During the screening of the @24heuresdumans film, Bassel Aslan, technical director of #MissionH24 and @armeedelair pilot of the program in collaboration between the ACO and H24Project, were accompanied by Commander Julien, who in April during an exchange between @adrientambay and Space and the ACO on the energy transition, had presented his PC21 to @stefrichelmi before riding on board the H24.

On stage, Commander Julien and Adrien Tambay explained the role of the Air and Space Force and the 24 Hours of Mans in the energy transition.

ENDS

Safe, reliable, efficient, controlled, decarbonized, the hydrogen electric solution applied to mobility is one of the keys to the ecological transition of transport. It is particularly suitable for use in Endurance that requires high power and high autonomy.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: 24 Heures du Mans, Pierre Fillon, ACO, FIA, WEC, FIA, TotalEnergies x Racing, Michelin Motorsport, Dietsmann. Richard Mille, Multimatic Motorsports, Bosch Motorsport. MOMO, Hyvolution Paris, The EDJE

New Company Gove Sets Effort On Flying Cars Mobility Reality

 

Govy AirJet concept from GAC Group seeks to make flying cars a reality by 2027. Image Credit: GAC Group (2025)

New Company Gove Sets Effort On Flying Cars Mobility Reality

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group), a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer and the fifth largest automobile manufacturer in China, announces the launch of a new electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) brand called Gove, focused on investing in sustainable air transportation.

Flying cars may be even closer than we expect, the company will focus on the design and production of flying cars, with the new AirJet currently being its flagship model. This electrically powered air taxi is said to be able to fly for up to 200 kilometers (124 miles), making it suitable for long journeys.

The AirCar, GAC Group's first ongoing development, is designed for zero-emission trips up to 20 km (12.4 miles). Image Credit: GAC Group (2024)

BACKGROUND:

In 2023, GAC unveiled a groundbreaking EV/eVTOL combo vehicle called “Gove,” a name derived from the words “GAC, On the Go, Vertical, and EV.” The Gove made its debut during GAC’s Tech Day Event in June 2023, where it was showcased to an eager audience. The company expressed its vision for the Gove to become a cornerstone of its future mobility lineup.

Since then, updates have been sparse, although we do know that GAC has rebranded the Gove as “AirCar.”

This name change is unsurprising, given the challenges faced by companies developing standalone eVTOLs. Achieving the necessary certifications and building infrastructure for commercial air taxi services is already a significant hurdle. Combining a road-capable EV with an eVTOL component adds even more complexity to the equation.

Among its peers, Chinese automaker XPeng seems closest to overcoming these challenges. Through its eVTOL venture AeroHT, XPeng is developing the “Land Aircraft Carrier,” an EV/eVTOL hybrid projected to enter scaled production by 2026.

XPENG AEROHT’s ‘modular flying car’ (carrier transport with eVTOL aircraft) will enter mass production, pre-orders begin in Q4. The aircraft module (as seen at CES2025) features a small two-person cockpit made from lightweight carbon fiber and has a six-rotor design with foldable propellers and arms. It can be driven manually or autonomously, and more than 200 units are currently being tested.Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Meanwhile, GAC appears to still be refining the AirCar. In addition, the company is expanding its portfolio with a second model, the AirJet, which debuted under its newly established eVTOL-focused business arm, Gove.

The AirJet comprises over 90% carbon fiber, weighing just one-third of a car body of the same size while being efficient and suitable for longer flights. The vertical lift-offs and transitional rotors of eVTOLs allow for efficient and clean cruising through the air, per Interesting Engineering.

Being made of composite materials also makes it easy to produce on a large scale. It can reach a speed of up to 155 mph and is designed for users' diverse travel needs, from ground to low altitude.

Current projections for the eVTOL industry show estimates of growth reaching over $23.4 billion by the year 2030 per Markets and Markets. Generally touted by its enthusiasts as a sustainable industry and friendly for the environment, models like the AirJet focus on advancing efficiency and lessening environmental concerns. 

GAC plans to secure certification for its flying cars, set up production lines, and begin pre-orders for the AirJet and AirCar sometime in 2025. The company also plans to demonstrate operations for its future products in Greater Bay Area cities by 2027.

(ht: TheCoolDown & electrek)

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: CES, China, Electric Vehicles, Xpeng AeroHT, GAC Group, AirCar, AirJet Gove, eVTOL, The EDJE

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix: Penske Entertainment Set To Manage 2025 Season-Ending Race Weekend

Colton Herta wins the 2024 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Speedway oval track season finale. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2024)

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix: Penske Entertainment Set To Manage 2025 Season-Ending Race Weekend

As Penske Entertainment takes over event promoter of the season-ending event race weekend, Big Machine will continue as the event's entitlement partner, enhancing its connection to the entertainment industry and downtown Nashville. Anne Fischgrund, an executive at Penske Entertainment, has been appointed president of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.

Big Machine, which served as the original entitlement partner during the event's first three editions, also played a key role in its promotion when the race transitioned to Nashville Superspeedway last year. Moving forward, the company's continued involvement will bring exciting musical programming and a platform to showcase its artists, products, and community initiatives. Scott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine, will act as a liaison to Nashville's entertainment community and civic leaders, ensuring the event remains strongly tied to the Music City.

After a successful debut at the iconic Nashville Superspeedway last season, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix will continue as the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES finale. The race is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 31, with a national broadcast on FOX. The 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone finale will precede the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship race on the same day.

Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles praised the partnership with Big Machine, stating, “Year one at Nashville Superspeedway was a tremendous success, thanks in great part to the terrific partnership and strong leadership exhibited by Scott Borchetta and his team at Big Machine. As we grow our event portfolio at Penske Entertainment, it’s strategically important to take the reins of our season finale at such an exciting and renowned racetrack. And to see the relationship with Big Machine carry forward through this continued partnership only underscores the growth opportunities before us in the Music City.”

In 2024, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix championship finale set records at Nashville Superspeedway, delivering the highest on-track passing numbers in the series' history. Colton Herta secured his first win on an oval, while Alex Palou celebrated his third NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship. The event also featured a vibrant street festival in Nashville, including the Battle on Broadway Pit Stop Challenge, which kicked off the championship weekend.

Scott Borchetta expressed his enthusiasm for the event's future, stating, “We are very proud to continue our relationship with INDYCAR and build from our record-breaking 2024 season finale as the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix becomes a true crown jewel for Nashville, Middle Tennessee, and global motorsports fans. We will also continue to produce the incredibly successful downtown street party, which will serve as the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix kickoff event, on Friday, Aug. 29, so make plans to be with us!”

Anne Fischgrund, a veteran motorsports executive, has assumed the role of president of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. She brings extensive experience, having served as the general manager of the Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend at Iowa Speedway. Fischgrund is relocating from Indianapolis to Nashville for this position.

Penske Entertainment remains committed to enhancing the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar through strategic investments and partnerships. Recent developments include the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington, a joint venture with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, and the acquisition of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in April.

The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season will feature all 17 races broadcast on FOX, starting with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES remains the only premier motorsport series in North America with all races televised on network television.

... notes from The EDJE





TAGS: Penske Entertainment, Big Machine, Scott Borchetta, Nashville Speedway, Anne Fischgrund, Music City, 2025, NTT INDYCAR SERIES, The EDJE

INDY Autonomous Challenge - CES2025 - AI Drivers Race With Five Overtakes In Twenty Laps

Here is an image of the first car - Autonomous Tiger Racing (ATR) No. 34 - we encountered on the track during our visit to the INDY Autonomous Challenge held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during CES2025. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

INDY Autonomous Challenge - CES2025 - AI Drivers Race With Five Overtakes In Twenty Laps

The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), a global leader in high-speed autonomy, returned to CES 2025 with groundbreaking developments, including the introduction of multicar racing and the future of physical AI. Held on January 9, 2025, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from 2-4 PM PST, the Autonomous Challenge at CES 2025 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous technologies, offering attendees an unparalleled view of AI's progress in high-speed motorsport.

Anxious and ready to attempt a first-time multiple car autonomous trial in a 20 lap match. UNIMORE Racing No. 6 became the first winner of the Tier 3 structure challenge where multiple cars not only attempt to pass, but win against the four teams that threw their hats into the ring. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Imagine making this annual pilgrimage to the Consumer Electronics Show and be inundated with AI (Artificial Intelligence) messages being communicated and attached to virtually every item on the floor. Heck, there were folks in stands trying to attach their products, however analog, to having a role in an AI world. 

Then, after a couple of days watching AI solutions show themselves on displays and screens, to have the opportunity to watch teams field their work in an extreme three-dimensional environment such as a race track featuring open wheel racecars? These techies seemed to have died and gone to AI heaven.

The trek to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway proved to be worthwhile even if the weather for this desert destination was a bit chillier than expected. Camaraderie and expectation were the notes of the day echoed between attendees and teams set up in the Hot Pits. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

A New Era of AI Racing: Multicar Showdown and Tiered Competitions

Building on its historic introduction of head-to-head autonomous racing at CES three years prior, the IAC achieved another milestone during CES 2025 with a multicar exhibition race. Teams ran 3-4 autonomous racecars simultaneously in a thrilling 20-lap format, demonstrating not only individual car performance but also the capability of AI systems to manage complex multi-agent interactions at high speed.

Team lead for Caltech Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) Racer - California Institute of Technology Autonomous Driver No. 8, Matt Anderson. As team lead, Matt, who hails from Sydney Australia, was responsible for controlling the E-Stop (emergency stop) button which brings the autonomous racing platform to a complete stop much quicker than any human driver would be able to do given that, once the button is pushed full force, the control is applied 100 times a second with race grade ABS braking systems. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

The Caltech Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) Racer Autonomous Driver No. 8 was able to set a platform best Tier 1 speed of 145mph, about 20 mph faster than previous IAC trial sessions. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

The event featured a progressive three-tiered structure that allowed teams at all experience levels to compete and push the boundaries of their AI Driver development:

 
Tier 1: Single-car time trials, where teams showcased the stability of their AI Drivers at extreme high speeds.

 
Tier 2: A two-car passing competition, designed to test strategic racing and AI adaptability in head-to-head scenarios.

 
Tier 3: The multicar racing event, where 3-4 racecars competed in an open racing format, challenging the limits of AI Driver multi-agent interaction and high-speed decision-making.

AI Racing Tech (ART) No. 7 - a collaboration between University of California Berkeley, with University of Hawai’i (UH), University of California, San Diego (UCSD), & Carnegie Mellon University in a group photo celebrating their Tier 2 accomplishment of an on-track pass timed just before the Start Finish line (image below). Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Tier 2 trials pass of Purdue AI Racing - Purdue University No. 2 by AI Racing Tech (ART) No. 7 just before the LVMS Start Finish line. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

End of a very successful CES 2025 trial at LVMS for AI Racing Tech (ART) Autonomous Driver No. 7 in the Indy Autonomous Challenge. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

This structure provided a platform for progressive competition, ensuring all teams had the opportunity to demonstrate their advancements in autonomous racing.
New Teams and Exciting Partnerships

The IAC welcomed two new university teams, Indiana University and the California Institute of Technology, bringing the total number of participating teams to ten. These additions enriched the competition, expanding the global pool of talent and expertise working to advance high-speed autonomy on a shared AI and robotics platform.

In collaboration with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the IAC served as an official test and evaluation platform to enhance AI training for autonomous systems. This initiative is part of DARPA’s Transfer Learning from Imprecise and Abstract Models to Autonomous Technologies (TIAMAT) program, which aims to bridge the “simulation to real” gap in AI development.

Starlink communications from Elon Musk's SpaceX allows instantaneous 2-way inputs in this mobile AI world of the IU Luddy No. 10 when the car is on track. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Pioneering the Future of Physical AI

“The Indy Autonomous Challenge is truly leading the charge in the physical AI revolution,” said Paul Mitchell, President of the Indy Autonomous Challenge. “By pushing the limits of autonomous technology on the racetrack, we’re not just developing AI that can drive racecars - we’re creating systems with applications ranging from aviation to autonomous vehicles and robotics. The race at CES showcased cutting-edge innovation and highlighted what can be achieved when government, academia, and industry unite to tackle some of the biggest tech challenges of our time.” 

The 2025 IAC race at CES solidified its role as a premier event in autonomous racing, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI and its future applications across industries.

The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) made history at CES 2025 with the world’s first successful completion of a multi-car autonomous race. This groundbreaking event held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway marked a major milestone in the evolution of physical AI and autonomous racing, with four IAC AV-24 fully autonomous racecars piloted by AI Drivers from top global university teams competing head-to-head in a 20-lap exhibition race. The race ended in a thrilling side-by-side photo finish, with UNIMORE Racing crossing the finish line less than three-tenths of a second faster than Cavalier Autonomous Racing. Watch livestream video starting at the end of Lap 17 of 20 Laps.

The multi-car exhibition race not only showcased impressive advancements in AI Driver capabilities but also highlighted how the IAC is advancing technology to improve the safety of high-speed autonomy. For the first time in the history of motorsports racing, four autonomous racecars completed a full race with multiple overtakes and no accidents. This demonstrated how autonomous systems can navigate extreme speeds while also safely managing complex multi-agent interactions in real-time.

“Since our first race in 2021, the IAC and our university teams have been making history with the world’s fastest autonomous racecars, from setting speed records to introducing the world to head-to-head autonomous racing,” said Paul Mitchell, president and CEO, Indy Autonomous Challenge. “But our goal has always been multi-agent racing, so being the first to have all our AI Drivers complete a race and do so with five overtakes, no accidents, and a nose-to-nose finish is a testament to the progress of the IAC’s global ecosystem of highly talented university researchers, industry partners, and government supporters.”  

We fully understand that AI autonomous racing will never really deeply connect with a Human fan-base as actual racing in vehicles controlled by analog decision-making of a Human driver. There is no "skin" in the game. However, we further understand that autonomous vehicle travel will never become a reality if this type of movement and mobility control isn't pushed to its extremes as race testing on a track against development teams in numbered cars - everything an AI Driver needs.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Indy Autonomous Challenge, IAC, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, CES 2025, Paul Mitchell, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Mobility, Racing, The EDJE

Fiat Topolino EV: A Microcar Designed For Our Expanding Defined Community Times

Tucked off to the side in the Stellantis stand at AutoMobility LA (Press Day at the LA Auto Show) was a first time preview of this EV microcar defined community run-a-bout. The Fiat Topolino quadricycle - first introduced in Italy side-by-side with the 600E on July 4th, 2023 - was designed for a broad audience living in defined spaces, including younger customers, families, and city enthusiasts The Topolino is produced in two models - pictured is the *Dolce Vita* open cockpit configuration. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2024)

Fiat Topolino EV: A Microcar Designed For Our Expanding Defined Community Times

Ahhhhh, the microcar - an answer to bringing fun and a spirit of celebration of motor culture to a new age in mobility.

As much of our population is aging and moving into planned communities, or younger generations are looking for easy solutions in EV mobility that are much more civil and useful than a scooter or electric bicycle, or holiday destinations with tight and charming footprints as found in Southern California's Catalina Island, the microcar seems to be a perfect solution. So says Hoofddorp, Netherlands based automobile manufacturing aggregator Stellantis with its introduction of the Fiat Topolino.

The good life becomes an exposé with the EV Fiat Topolino microcar. Image Credit: MotoriQuotidiano (July 2023) 

This edited and posted from a press release produced for Mexico City with the introduction of the Topolino outside of Italy ...

**Stellantis Mexico: New Fiat Topolino - The Most Beautiful Way to Electrify Cities**  

The Fiat Topolino, a name that once pioneered urban mobility, is now set to lead sustainable urban mobility.  

**Designed for the City**  

The Topolino expands mobility and freedom, even for younger users.  

100% electric, it represents another step in the brand's journey toward electrification.  

----

FIAT has unveiled the name and the first image of its new sustainable urban mobility solution: the Topolino.  

This fully electric quadricycle/microcar is ready to contribute to the growth of urban electric mobility, offering an accessible and entirely electric version that encapsulates the charm of the Fiat 500.  

On the webpage dedicated to Fiat accessories or optional accessories are available at Fiat Topolino dealers: one bag storage, fan USB, speaker Bluetooth, water bottle thermal and two seat covers which, if necessary, are transformed into beach towels. All in Green Life color. Image Credit: MotoriQuotidiano (July 2023)

This renowned and evocative name, which originally paved the way for urban mobility, instantly recalls the first Fiat 500. Produced by FIAT from 1936 to 1955, the Fiat 500, commonly known as "Topolino," essentially invented the concept of personal mobility.  

The new Topolino perfectly embodies the *Dolce Vita* and FIAT's Italian spirit. Designed to bring a smile to your face, the Topolino brings a new vision of *Dolce Vita* to the streets—joy, optimism, and fun. It is a new electric mobility device designed for a broad audience, including younger customers, families, and city enthusiasts.

----

**More Than Mobility**  

The Topolino is more than a mobility device. Thanks to its charming design, suitable for all generations, it will make younger generations fall in love with cars again.  

ENDS

Fiat Topolino with doors and sunroof for greater security and protection from the elements while driving around high-density environments. Image Credit: MotoriQuotidiano (July 2023) 

The Topolino is also a fully enclosed vehicle for a higher level of protection while rolling along in tight urban community cityscapes.

This microcar stands out for extremely small dimensions - dimensioni ridotte - compared to a car with its roughly 8.5 feet in length. It focuses on handling, without stress with the maximum speed to roughly 28 mph.

Both versions can be purchased at a price estimate at  starting from around $12,000, to which, if available, the federal and/or state incentives dedicated to electric quadricycles may be applied.

Top Speed - 28 mph (45 Kilometers per Hour ≈ 27.961704 Miles per Hour)

0-28 mph - 10 seconds

Range - 45 Miles (75 Kilometers ≈ 46.602839 Miles)

Charge From Zero - 4 Hours

These highlights are interesting and help to narrow the focus and target market for its application & use.

Microcars are reshaping urban mobility, providing a compact and eco-conscious response to the pressing challenges of modern cities. Their diminutive size, impressive fuel efficiency, and affordability directly combat issues like traffic congestion and environmental degradation. More than just a mode of transportation, microcars represent a forward-thinking commitment to smarter and cleaner urban living.

Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including electric powertrains, smart connectivity, and the potential for autonomous driving, these vehicles are key drivers in the ongoing evolution of urban transportation. By adopting microcars, cities can enhance connectivity, improve efficiency, and promote sustainability. Their versatility makes them ideal for age-focused and holiday communities, as well as high-density urban areas, offering a transformative step toward an inclusive, eco-friendly urban future.

Love the motor culture statement this car makes - who needs an E-scooter when one can sit & ride in a Topolino (closed) or Topolino Dolcevita (open) models.

The point of modern "mobility" isn't to just get from point "A" to point "B", but to celebrate life with enhanced technology tools and solutions that have this experience to become special. Motor Culture and living the good life - as the Italians say Dolce Vita - is the key found through this quadricycle/microcar design and power option format. 

... notes from The EDJE 

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TAGS: AutoMobility LA 2024, Fiat, Topolino, Dolcevita, Stellantis, Microcar, quadricycle, holiday, planned communities, urban cityscapes, EVHN, The EDJE