The Young Stars of Tomorrow’s Mobility at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Published on 01/05/2026 14:02
From the EcoGreen Energy Challenge to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Village: when youth invent the mobility of the future.
On May 20 and 21, 2026, the Fay-de-Bretagne circuit will pulse with the rhythm of the 5th edition of the EcoGreen Energy Challenge. This unique event brings together nearly 400 young talents – middle school students, high school students, engineering school students, and higher education students – around a common challenge: decarbonizing mobility by designing and piloting ultra-efficient vehicles.
28 teams, including 4 from Europe (Germany, Poland, Italy, and Spain), will compete on the circuit. Their vehicles, equipped with 3 or 4 wheels, will run on bioGNV, hydrogen (fuel cell or combustion engine), or electricity. The objective is clear: to cover approximately 20 km at a minimum average speed of 25 km/h while consuming as little energy as possible. A race of intelligence and ingenuity rather than pure speed.
The competition, a showcase for new mobilities
The event will kick off on May 20 at 3 PM and continue the next day until the trophy presentation at 5 PM. Among the most anticipated categories is that of hydrogen. The winners will have the exceptional opportunity to showcase their machines in the Hydrogen Village of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, thanks to a partnership with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). A tremendous showcase for these young innovators, who will move directly from the regional circuit to the world’s largest automotive event.
Alongside the competition, the EcoGreen Energy Club offers a high-level space for reflection. On May 20 from 11 AM to 2:30 PM, three experts will debate the future of the French automotive industry: Nicolas Meilhan (transport and energy expert), Christophe Aufrère (CEO of PFA), and David Bourgouin (CEO of Joliverie). The previous year, Pierre Fillon, president of ACO, and François Gemenne, IPCC rapporteur, had already made a strong impression.
ACO will also be present with a village dedicated to hydrogen and a stand showcasing its activities, further reinforcing the link between automotive passion, technological innovation, and energy transition.
You might be interestedin this article:
The EcoGreen Energy Challenge is not just a race: it is a true incubator of talent that demonstrates that the new generation is ready to tackle climate challenges with creativity, rigor, and enthusiasm. From the Fay-de-Bretagne circuit to the stands of Le Mans, these young individuals prove that the future of sustainable mobility is already underway.
ALSO READ: ACO and MissionH24 in the service of Hydrogen safely
This page is translated from the original post "Les jeunes stars de la mobilité de demain aux 24 Heures du Mans" in French.
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
