Extreme H: Changing Perceptions of Hydrogen Fuel
Hydrogen fuel offers a promising path to decarbonisation.
When produced using renewable energies, it creates no carbon emissions at all with water vapour as the only byproduct.
The World Economic Forum estimates that hydrogen fuel could avoid up to 60 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions by 2050.
Extreme H is the world’s first hydrogen-powered racing series, announced in 2022 and beginning in 2025.
It will replace Extreme E, an all-electric off-road series that began in 2021 founded by Formula E founder Alejandro Agag.
The car for Extreme H, named the Pioneer 25, is the first hydrogen racing car to pass FIA crash testing.
Mark Grain, Technical Director for Extreme H, explains: "The thing that we can do in motorsport, is we can show that hydrogen cars can race very close together in very challenging conditions and what do you know? They don't combust.
“They don't blow up like some old balloon in a black and white film from a hundred years ago.
“When you speak to the average person in the street about hydrogen, their minds drift back to times gone by and hydrogen couldn't be further from that.”
How Extreme H can push hydrogen power forwards
Motorsports can be a powerful platform for changing perceptions, showcasing new innovations and ideas as entertainment.
It can also push for faster development and problem solving.
Mark explains: “Motorsports has got a long history of being a progress multiplier and the reason for that is purely competition and timeframe.
“With motor racing, the next deadline is the next race. So that could be two weeks, it could be four weeks, but asking to push the race back isn't an option.”
The Pioneer 25 is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell supplied by Symbio and provides a peak output of 550hp, pushing the car from 0-100 kph in just 4.5 seconds.
Andy Welch, Energy and Utilities Manager for Extreme H, says: “There's very much a focus on the technology in the car, but of course the car naturally drags a lot of other infrastructure with it where we have to attain the same level.
“For instance, we will need a hydrogen refuelling rig for the championship and we have, for the last four years already, been using a fuel cell system to provide the site power for technical operations, for broadcasting, for catering and for everything.”
Hydrogen power isn’t just a gimmick – it is bringing in new interest and drivers who have tested the Pioneer 25 sing its praises.
Mark says: “The level of interest that we are attracting here is really strong and that reinforces the decision that we made to go with hydrogen.
“Companies that previously haven't been involved in motorsports are now contacting us and want to be involved. So that's really encouraging and it gives us the reassurance that we're heading on the right path.”
Catie Munnings, Driver for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E, who has tested the Pioneer 25, says: "I’ve been waiting to get behind the wheel of this car ever since I first heard about it, and it did not disappoint!
“It’s also a thrill to know that we are pioneering something that could change the face of motorsport."
“It’s really cool to have a championship that’s a world first in using a hydrogen fuel cell. The car is so stable, it flies really well and it was super fun to test it.”
What Extreme E has done for sustainability
Extreme E uses electric SUVs to race in remote parts of the world, such as the Saudi Arabian desert.
Every racing location chosen for the series aims to raise awareness for climate change.
In 2020, Extreme E unveiled a “Legacy Programme” initiative to support local communities in each race location.
Extreme E Founder and CEO, Alejandro Agag, says: “Extreme E is borne out of the climate crisis, and its mission is the use of sport in raising awareness of the serious issues our planet is facing, as well as the solutions that we can all employ to help reverse those issues.”
It's not just about the environment – the series has put in serious work to improve gender equality in motorsports.
Across all motorsport fans, about 45% are women and girls.
According to More than Equal, female participation in motorsports represents on average 10% across all categories of competition. In high level motorsports this decreases to just 7%.
All teams in Extreme E, and soon Extreme H, are required to consist of one male and one female driver with equal driving duties.
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