Extreme E Unveils Groundbreaking Hydrogen Race Car as Series Evolves to Extreme H
Extreme E has taken a monumental step in motorsport innovation by unveiling its first hydrogen-powered race car, the Pioneer 25, as it transitions into the groundbreaking Extreme H series.
This revolutionary development was announced aboard the St. Helena vessel, with London’s iconic Tower Bridge serving as a dramatic backdrop.
The Pioneer 25 was introduced to the world in a spectacular event attended by global media and invited guests, marking the beginning of an exciting new era in sustainable racing. Extreme H, set to commence its maiden season in April 2025, aims to showcase the capabilities of hydrogen fuel cells in a competitive environment, pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly motorsport.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme H, expressed his pride in the launch: “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 Pioneer 25, developed by Spark Racing Technology and equipped with a 75kW hydrogen fuel cell from Symbio, promises impressive performance. With a peak output of 400kw (550hp), it can accelerate from 0-100kph in just 4.5 seconds and handle gradients of up to 130 percent. The hydrogen fuel cell powers the battery pack produced and supported trackside by Fortescue ZERO, a technological leap that has already seen extensive use behind the scenes in Extreme E.
The transition to Extreme H is backed by an array of prestigious partners, including PIF, ENOWA NEOM, Vodafone Business, Symbio, Siemens, and Jackson Swiss Partners. This collaboration ensures the series is well-supported as it pioneers hydrogen technology in motorsport.
Mark Grain, Technical Director at Extreme E, highlighted the advancements: “There has been no compromise with the Pioneer 25. Spark Racing Technology and Symbio have done a tremendous job in developing the Extreme H car, which is fit for our exciting new era as a hydrogen-powered championship. The Pioneer 25 is a significant upgrade on the ODYSSEY 21. Overall performance of the car has taken a big step forward.”
Extreme H’s new era was welcomed by teams and industry leaders alike. Carlos Sainz, Owner/Advisor of ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, praised the initiative: “Venturing into hydrogen is a really exciting prospect for our series. It is all about pioneering new paths into sustainable mobility and this championship is unique in the sense that it puts the latest technology to the test in the toughest environments in the world.”
Jenson Button, team owner of the JBXE Extreme E team, echoed this sentiment: “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.”
The public will get their first look at the Pioneer 25 during a test at Extreme E’s Hydro X Prix in Scotland next month. This event will provide a glimpse into the future of motorsport, where hydrogen fuel cells drive the quest for sustainability and high performance.
Extreme H is set to redefine the landscape of motorsport, leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Photos: Matt Ben Stone / Extreme H
