Hydrogen-fueled Prototype Successfully Tested by Extreme H
In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable motorsport, Extreme H, the world's first hydrogen-powered off-road racing series, officially launched in 2025. Backed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), this pioneering series is set to showcase hydrogen fuel cell technology in motorsport.
The journey towards this milestone began in 2024, with preparations and prototype chassis shakedowns taking place. One of the significant milestones was powering 80% of a race site at the Hydro X Prix in Scotland with hydrogen fuel cells.
The series made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed’s Future Lab in 2025, marking its official launch. Extreme H also announced major partnerships, such as a multi-year agreement with FOX Suspension.
Extreme H's transition to hydrogen-powered racing is a natural evolution of Extreme E's mission to showcase new technologies in the race to fight climate issues, support decarbonisation, and develop applications outside of motorsport. Alejandro Agag, the Founder and CEO of Extreme E, expressed his excitement about the strong progress being made as they prepare for the launch of Extreme H in 2025.
Mark Grain, Technical Director of Extreme E, is leading the series' transition to Extreme H. A teaser of Extreme H's hydrogen-powered prototype has been revealed, which recently undertook its debut laps out on track during testing. A rigorous testing program is now underway for Extreme H, ahead of the launch of the chassis later in 2024.
The FIA, recognising the importance of Extreme H, has established the Hydrogen Working Group, consisting of representatives from Extreme H, FIA, and F1. The group aims to bring together collective expertise to strategically evaluate hydrogen applications within motorsport and mobility. Notable members of the Hydrogen Working Group include Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Single Seater Director, and Pat Symonds, F1 Chief Technical Officer.
If the requisite criteria are met, Extreme H could become an FIA World Championship from 2026. If this happens, it will join the company of seven other official FIA World Championships. The inaugural season of Extreme H is planned to become an FIA Championship in 2025.
In summary, Extreme H represents a pioneering step by the FIA into sustainable off-road racing using hydrogen power. With its inaugural season launched in 2025, official FIA backing, and rapid progress through prototype testing to competition on high-profile motorsport stages, Extreme H is poised to revolutionise off-road racing and contribute significantly to the fight against climate change.
- The transition to hydrogen-powered racing in Extreme H is a continuation of Extreme E's mission to demonstrate new technologies in combating climate issues.
- In 2024, Extreme H began its journey with preparations and prototype chassis testing, culminating in powering 80% of a race site at the Hydro X Prix in Scotland with hydrogen fuel cells.
- Recognizing the significance of Extreme H, the FIA has established the Hydrogen Working Group, which includes representatives from Extreme H, FIA, and F1, to strategically evaluate hydrogen applications within motorsport and mobility.
- If the necessary conditions are fulfilled, Extreme H could become an FIA World Championship from 2026, joining the ranks of seven other official FIA World Championships.
- The hydrogen-powered prototype of Extreme H has recently undertaken its debut laps on the testing track, with a rigorous testing program currently underway for the series ahead of the launch of the chassis later in 2024.
- With major partnerships such as FOX Suspension, the official launch of Extreme H at the Goodwood Festival of Speed’s Future Lab in 2025, and its debut at the Hydro X Prix, Extreme H is positioned to revolutionise off-road racing and make a substantial contribution to the battle against climate change, combining innovation in science, technology, and environmental-science with finance and transportation for a more sustainable lifestyle in home-and-garden and automotive industries.
