BREAKING: It’s official – FIA and Extreme H sign deal for the first-ever off-road hydrogen racing World Cup

Motorsports fans – hold on to your helmets: The FIA Extreme H World Cup has been officially announced for 2025.

Today is an exciting day in racing history as the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and Extreme H (formerly Extreme E) have just announced the creation of the first-ever hydrogen-powered off-road racing series.

With a signed Heads of Terms agreement, the “FIA Extreme H World Cup” is set to become the premier competition for showcasing hydrogen’s true potential in motorsport.

Extreme E becomes Extreme H

Extreme H will validate the full potential of hydrogen as a zero-emission energy source in some of the most challenging racing conditions.

The new Extreme H car is called the Pioneer 25. It has been developed by Spark Racing Technology (the same brainiacs behind Extreme E and Formula E) and has been through an extensive testing and development round equivalent to a couple of seasons’ worth of abuse (approximately 2,000 hours of testing).

The cars will use hydrogen fuel cells sourced from Symbio, capable of taking on the roughest terrains while emitting nothing but pure water.

And the stakes are high. Motorsport has always been a proving ground for new tech, and the FIA is betting big on hydrogen driving the transition to a sustainable future.

If they’re right, this series won’t just inspire petrolheads (or hydrogenheads?) – it could also spark investment in hydrogen infrastructure and mobility globally.

Going beyond technology – inspiring gender equality in motorsport

This isn’t just a series for cutting-edge tech – it’s also breaking down barriers. Every team competing in the FIA Extreme H World Cup will feature an equal number of male and female drivers.

Finally, motorsport is taking meaningful steps to level the playing field and inspire a new generation of racers and fans alike.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, put it best, saying:

“The FIA is committed to supporting initiatives that set new standards for sustainability and equality. Motorsport must evolve and adapt to remain sustainable, and the adoption of hydrogen fuels is a key part of our future.”

It’s a message that goes beyond racing. Extreme H is positioning itself as a flag-bearer for inclusion, proving that talent – not gender – defines a champion.

Alejandro Agag, the mastermind behind the Extreme H concept, is understandably chuffed about the recognition from motorsport’s top brass, saying:

“It is a very proud moment for us all as Extreme H becomes the FIA Extreme H World Cup. This recognition from motorsport’s governing body is an important stamp of approval and a major step forward in showcasing hydrogen’s potential while aligning with the highest global standards in motorsport.”

And he’s right. Hydrogen racing isn’t just about putting on a show; it’s about setting a new benchmark for sustainable competition. The automotive world is watching closely.

What’s next?

While we know the FIA Extreme H World Cup kicks off in 2025, the specifics – like the racing calendar and the locations – are still under wraps.

More details are promised early next year (in 2025), and we’re already wondering which legendary rally tracks might play host to these hydrogen-powered spaceships.

So, here’s to the FIA Extreme H World Cup. It’s fast, it’s sustainable, and it’s driving motorsport into a hydrogen-powered future. The only question left is: who’s ready to take the wheel?

Extreme H’s Pioneer 25 hydrogen race car specs:

• 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
• Wheelbase: 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: 2Kg/50L
• eMotors: Front and rear eMotors both producing 200kW power
• Acceleration: 0-100 kph (0-60 mph) in 4.5 seconds