(Motorsports news) Following the global launch of the world’s first hydrogen-powered motorsport series, Extreme H, last month in London – the championship has debuted its groundbreaking new hydrogen challenger at Extreme E’s Hydro X Prix in Scotland.
The series’ hydrogen race car, the ‘Pioneer 25’, was tested publicly on a championship course for the first time today by Extreme H development driver Hedda Hosås. Hosås drove the car across two sessions at the former Glenmuckloch open cast coal mine site ahead of Extreme E’s 2024 Hydro X Prix taking place in Dumfries and Galloway this weekend (13-14 July).
The Extreme H Pioneer 25 was adorned in a special Red Bull livery in recognition of the energy drink giant joining the series as the championship’s Official Energy Drinks Partner.
The Extreme H series represents a bold step forward in the transition to clean energy, showcasing cutting-edge hydrogen technology in a competitive racing environment. The Pioneer 25 car is designed to demonstrate the viability and performance capabilities of hydrogen fuel cells, setting a new standard for eco-friendly motorsport.
The debut Extreme H season will begin in April 2025, with further announcements regarding the world’s first hydrogen racing series to follow.
Mark Grain, Technical Director at Extreme H, said: “Testing the Pioneer 25 on an official championship course for the first time marks another major milestone in the development of Extreme H.
“Extreme H represents the first-ever testbed of hydrogen technology in motorsport, not just in our racing cars, but also in transportation, infrastructure, refueling processes, and safety regulations. The Pioneer 25 has undergone an intensive testing programme to prepare for its debut, and this groundbreaking initiative positions us as pioneers in the field, showcasing the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable and powerful energy source.
“The Pioneer 25 is more than just a racing car; it is a symbol of our commitment to advancing hydrogen technology and sustainability in motorsport. We are excited to debut this revolutionary vehicle and to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the race towards a greener future.”
The Extreme H Pioneer 25 is an innovative off-road race car, set to spearhead the adoption of hydrogen in motorsport.
The car is designed and manufactured by Spark Racing Technology and equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell from Symbio, Extreme H’s Official Fuel Cell Provider, and has undergone an intensive testing programme equivalent to three seasons of racing in readiness for its debut campaign.
Symbio will provide a 75kW hydrogen fuel cell replacing the battery as the principal energy source. The hydrogen fuel cell powers the battery pack that is produced and supported trackside by Fortescue ZERO, while the all-new suspension geometry with driver adjustable shock absorbers from FOX on the Extreme H car provides a great platform for the power and torque available.
Hydrogen fuel cells represent a technological revolution that is now becoming a widespread reality, with this technology already being used behind the scenes in Extreme E, where it provides the energy source to the vehicle’s batteries.
The Pioneer 25’s peak 400kw (550hp) output is capable of firing the 2200 kilogram, 2.4 metre-wide race car from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and scale gradients of up to 130 per cent.
Extreme E’s spectacular return to racing action can be viewed on ITV3 in the UK, with both Grand Finals live from 1500-1700 BST, over both Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July.
Also read: Exciting new course layout revealed for this weekend’s Hydro X Prix
