TU Delft’s Eco-Runner Team Sets Sights on World Record with Hydrogen Car

TU Delft’s Eco-Runner student team is currently trying to break a world record this week. With their self-built hydrogen car they want to travel more than 1360 kilometers along the route of the Elfstedentocht on only 1.45 kilograms of hydrogen without refueling. If they succeed, the Eco-Runner XIV will officially be the most efficient car in the world. The student team builds a new hydrogen car every year, but this year the car was allowed on public roads for the first time.

On Monday, June 17, the hydrogen car of the students began their world record attempt in Friesland. The students hope to drive along the roads of the Elfstedentocht for five days to empty the 1.45 kilogram tank. The world record is about the longest distance driven on public roads on just one tank of hydrogen. The students want to break Toyota’s record of 1360 kilometers, but hope to even reach the 2065 kilometer mark.

The team has divided into three parts to form three crews. This allows the Eco-Runner to keep moving continuously. During the attempt, the Eco-Runner travels in a column on public roads. A van with crew members driving in front keeps in touch with the driver and gives instructions throughout the route. Behind the Eco-Runner drives a Toyota Mirai to close the column.