Extreme E and the FIA have revealed plans for a hydrogen-powered off-road SUV championship from 2025.
The off-road racing series and motorsport governing body have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Through this, a framework has been set out for what will become the first-ever hydrogen off-road racing world championship named “Extreme H”. This is considered the first step in establishing a pathway for the series to launch as an FIA Championship in 2025 and then becoming a World Championship from 2026 – so long as the necessary criteria is met.
Development is already underway, with the aim to launch an Extreme H prototype later in the year. The aim of Extreme E and Extreme H is to minimise environmental impact, while maximising awareness. This is done through racing in places that have already been impacted by climate change or human interference, meaning fans are taken “deep into the heart of the most pressing issues facing our planet’s future”.
Founder and CEO of Extreme E, Alejandro Agag, called the establishment of Extreme H a “momentous milestone” and described sport as the “most powerful and effective platform to drive innovation and our commitment to delivering sustainable motorsport championships full of excitement and with a reduced carbon footprint are testament to that.”
Agag continued: “What started as a conversation many years ago about racing in extreme environments, showcasing the incredible performance and innovation of E-SUVs, has now demonstrated enormous growth and further pioneering technical advances as we move forward with the transition to hydrogen and Extreme H – a world-first.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, meanwhile, FIA President, said: “Using sustainable power sources in motor sport is the key objective of the FIA and part of our long-term strategy, and this series is an ideal showcase for that. Hydrogen is an important part of that mix, and we have developed a set of safety regulations for hydrogen-powered vehicles which is part of the FIA’s International Sporting Code.”
Ben Sulayem added: “Motor sport competition serves as an excellent research and development platform and this new series has great potential. Having the technology tested in the harsh environment of off-road racing in all types of conditions should benefit the whole industry, and in the longer term make mobility more environmentally friendly for everyday users of the road.”
