Renault plans to unveil a unique hydrogen concept vehicle next month. The French company announced that it would reveal the vehicle it's been teasing for months in May, but it's not a run-of-the-mill hydrogen fuel cell car like we've seen before.

Renault teased the concept a few months ago, showing its illuminated logo, unique LED running lights, and quad-LED headlight design. We don't know the specs, but it looks to us like a crossover, although we wouldn't rule out a hatchback in the vein of the Renault 5 EV concept from a little while ago. The most recent teaser gives us a look at an illuminated logo on what appears to be the vehicle's B-pillar, retaining an air of mystery. While we can't see the details and have no specs to go on yet, we're excited about what's under the hood.

Without going all the way into the weeds, it's important to point a few things out. Hydrogen combustion engines are not the same as hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, such as the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo. Instead, they function similarly to a gas-powered internal combustion engine, just with hydrogen instead of gas. Unlike fuel cells, hydrogen combustion engines produce emissions, though they're different than those produced by a gas engine, as nitrogen oxides are produced during hydrogen combustion, albeit in a far lesser quantity.

Renault's not the only automaker working on hydrogen combustion. Toyota is already in the testing phase with the GR Yaris, using a modified version of the rowdy turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine. Toyota has used its hydrogen combustion-powered cars in racing events, so the tech has the potential to deliver actual performance.

The French automaker isn't focusing only on hydrogen. Its current electric lineup includes several vehicles, including a delivery van for buyers in the UK. Renault also offers various hybrid cars, so it's not clear if hydrogen will become a significant part of its strategy going forward. Though it's part of an automotive alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi, it's unclear how much of Renault's influence will make its way into either automaker's EVs. The Nissan Ariya, for example, shares a platform with a Renault EV overseas. We know that the alliance plans to increase its shared resources going forward, so it'll be interesting to see how Mitsubishi makes use of them.

Renault will unveil the concept at 9 AM, CET on May 19 at the ChangeNow summit. The event focuses on climate change and sustainability and is headlined by speakers that include business leaders and activists from around the world.