#AlconEquipped: Extreme H pioneering hydrogen racing car unveiled

Extreme H, the groundbreaking new hydrogen racing series, today unveiled its pioneering centrepiece with the launch of its first-ever hydrogen-powered racing car.

The ‘Pioneer 25’ hydrogen race car was revealed in front of global media and invited guests aboard the series’ St. Helena vessel, with London’s Tower Bridge; providing a stunning reveal setting as the countdown officially begins to its maiden season starting in April 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, unveiled to acclaim, 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 Pioneer 25

The Extreme H car, aptly titled the Pioneer 25 as the series begins its innovative new era, is a completely new car, which has been in development ever since the announcement of the world’s first hydrogen motor racing championship was made in 2022.

The car is designed and manufactured by Spark Racing Technology and equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell from Symbio, 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. 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.

Each Pioneer 25 raced in Extreme H comprises a common package of standardised parts from Spark Racing Technology. One open area for teams is the ability to redesign front and rear bodywork and lights in order to replicate the look of everyday car models.

The next major milestone for Extreme H will be the first public test of the Pioneer 25, which will take place at Extreme E’s Hydro X Prix in Scotland next month (13-14 July).

The key technical details for the Extreme H Pioneer 25, the all-new race car purpose built for Extreme H – the world’s first hydrogen racing championship – include:

  • Top speed: 200Kph
  • Max power: 400kW/550bhp
  • Weight: 2200kg
  • Dimensions: 6m x 1.9m x 2.4m
  • Front track width:1m
  • Rear track width: 1m
  • Wheel base: 3.2m
  • Chassis: Tubular space frame with composite energy absorbing impact structures
  • Suspension: Double wishbone front and rear
  • Shock absorbers: Supplied and supported trackside by FOX and feature driver controlled on-track adjustability via their unique Live Valve technology.
  • Hydrogen fuel cell output: 75kW, 450 – 850V
  • Battery output: 325kW, 850V, 36kWh
  • Hydrogen capacity: 0Kg/50L
  • eMotors: Front and rear eMotors both producing 200kW power
  • Acceleration: 0-100Kph in 4.5 seconds
  • Pioneering Symbio hydrogen fuel cell technology
  • All-new purpose-built chassis, manufactured by Spark Racing Technology
  • Improved suspension geometry
  • Central single-seater driving position
  • Increased torque

Season 1 calendar

At the official launch the championship’s first-ever race calendar was unveiled with 10 rounds across five locations set for Extreme H’s debut campaign.

The series will open in Saudi Arabia, as the Extreme E calendar has done in its four previous seasons, before the European leg of the campaign begins in the U.K, a maiden visit to Germany, and a return to Italy. The 2025 Extreme H season finale will take place in the U.S.A to mark the Pioneer 25’s debut in North America.

Exact dates and locations for the 2025 season will be confirmed later this year.