The pioneering brains behind Extreme E have launched their ground-breaking new hydrogen racing series, Extreme H, and also unveiled their first-ever hydrogen-powered racing car, the Pioneer 25. 

Becoming reality in 2025, 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 racing car is designed to demonstrate the viability and performance capabilities of hydrogen fuel cells, setting a new standard for eco-friendly motorsport. 

Hailing the start of the championship’s exciting new hydrogen-powered era, Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme H, said: “We are incredibly proud to introduce the world to the first hydrogen racing car and the Extreme H series. This launch is not just about a new vehicle; it’s about pioneering the future of sustainable motorsport. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a remarkable opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint and promote clean energy solutions, and we are proud to lead this charge with Extreme H. 

“The evolution to Extreme H is a momentous moment for our championship. It’s important for every motorsport series to have a unique selling point and hydrogen is very significant. We are undoubtedly hydrogen pioneers, the first in this space, and we are excited to showcase the potential of an element that, in large parts, remains a hugely untapped resource. The large-scale adoption of hydrogen could have enormous benefits not just across motorsport and the automotive industry, but could also unearth a wealth of positive benefits for the future of the planet.  

“Our evolution to Extreme H makes us the first-ever testbed of hydrogen technology in motorsport – not only in our racing cars, but also transportation, infrastructure, refuelling processes and safety regulations. It’s a ground-breaking initiative.” 

The Extreme H car, as revealed by Catie Munnings and Carlos Sainz Sr in London, is a completely new machine, which has been in development ever since the announcement of the world’s first hydrogen motor racing championship was made in 2022. 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. 

The car is designed and manufactured in France by Spark Racing Technology – those behind both current Extreme E and Formula E chassis – and equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell from Symbio. The prototype has already undergone an intensive testing programme equivalent to three seasons of racing in readiness for its debut campaign. The first public test of the Pioneer 25 will take place here in the UK at Extreme E’s Hydro X Prix in Scotland next month (13-14 July). 

Jenson Button, team owner of the JBXE Extreme E team, is certainly energised at the prospect. “For Extreme E to be evolving into Extreme H is incredibly exciting and a brilliant step forward in such a short space of time for the series,” enthused the 2018 F1 World Champion. “To see racing of this calibre powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which will allow for even more racing with less impact, is remarkable.” 

Although the full 2025 calendar is yet to be announced, the new series will open in Saudi Arabia before the European leg of the campaign begins in the UK. The Extreme H season finale will take place in the U.S.A to mark the Pioneer 25’s debut in North America.