A Blog from Young NWBA – Tim Vianen
Team JongNWBA Takes on the 24-Hour Hydrogen Challenge: A Journey Fueled by Enthusiasm and Innovation
At Team JongNWBA, we’re not just a group of students – we are a team filled with passion, innovation, and a shared love for the possibilities of hydrogen technology. Recently, we embarked on an epic 24-hour hydrogen challenge that took us through the heart of Europe, showcasing what can be achieved with hydrogen-powered vehicles. Our mission was simple: push the limits, rack up as many points as possible, and show the world what the future of transportation might look like.
The Journey Begins: From Hilversum to Brussels
Our adventure kicked off in Hilversum and went straight on to Dordrecht, and the excitement was palpable from the start. Armed with energy, determination, and a hydrogen-powered car, we hit the road with a clear destination in mind – Antwerp. The journey to the Atomium in Brussels was a thrill in itself, as we navigated the bustling streets of Belgium’s iconic capital city. The Atomium, a symbol of progress and innovation, felt like a fitting checkpoint for our hydrogen-powered challenge.
Heading to the Luxembourg Border: Nightfall and Mystical Views
As we left Brussels behind, we drove through the scenic Belgian countryside toward Luxembourg. Night had fallen by the time we reached the Luxembourg border, and thick mist blanketed the road. Despite the challenging conditions, the roads and views remained breathtaking – a perfect metaphor for the promise of hydrogen: even in the toughest conditions, beauty and possibility prevail.
At precisely 24:00, we arrived at the border, a moment marked not just by the clock but by the stunning mist that made our arrival feel almost otherworldly.
A Midnight Stop in Aachen
After a brief stop for a hydrogen refill in Aachen, we were back on the road. The pit stop was quick, but it reminded us of the growing infrastructure for hydrogen vehicles, a key part of making sustainable transport accessible for everyone in the near future. From Aachen, we ventured further into Germany, visiting Bonn and Cologne Airport – not just for more points but to remind ourselves how far we’ve come and how many more miles we’ll travel with hydrogen.
Essen, Münster, and Osnabrück: The Final Stretch in Germany
As dawn broke, we made our way through the bustling cities of Essen and Münster. The enthusiasm never waned, despite the long hours on the road. A final stop in Osnabrück for another fuel-up marked our last moments in Germany before heading back into the Netherlands. A quick breakfast and some much-needed coffee kept our spirits high as we pushed through the last few hours of our 24-hour challenge.
The Final Push: Deventer and Beyond
Our journey culminated in Deventer, where the excitement of the challenge still ran high. Every mile covered, every stop made, and every moment shared as a team brought us closer to achieving what we set out to do: demonstrate the power of hydrogen and the boundless opportunities it holds for the future of mobility.
Special Thanks
Lastly, we want to give a shoutout to Arjan – thank you for letting us stay at the Marriotte! The fuel card worked ;).
The 24-hour hydrogen challenge was more than just a test of endurance and navigation; it was an affirmation of what can be accomplished with teamwork, enthusiasm, and a commitment to sustainable technology. The future of transportation is here, and we are thrilled to be part of shaping it.
