Extreme E goes hydrogen: All “Pioneer 25” cars now built for 2025 Extreme H World Cup
Good news! Extreme E’s transition to hydrogen power with the first-ever FIA Extreme H World Cup season is officially one step closer to reality.
Extreme H has announced that all 10 “Pioneer 25” hydrogen race cars have been built and are ready for action in 2025.
Built by Spark Racing Technology – the brains behind Extreme E’s electric off-roaders and Formula E’s current generation of race cars – these vehicles are primed to make history in the world’s first hydrogen-powered off-road racing championship.
Alejandro Agag, the boss of Extreme E and Extreme H, visited Spark’s headquarters near Paris to see the finished cars.
Reflecting on the achievement, he said: “These cars are not just groundbreaking in terms of technology; they represent the future of sustainable motorsport, and we are ready to go.”
The Extreme H Pioneer 25
The Pioneer 25 is a hydrogen-powered off-road vehicle designed to take on some of the harshest terrains in the world.
Each car features a Symbio 75kW hydrogen fuel cell that powers a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering 400kW (550hp).
Despite weighing 2,200kg, the Pioneer 25 sprints from 0-60 mph (100kph) in just 4.5 seconds and climbs gradients as steep as 130%.
Nicolas Wertans, Chairman of Spark Racing Technology, highlighted the importance of this achievement, saying:
“These vehicles will set a new standard for hydrogen-powered competition and inspire the future of clean energy solutions.”
The Pioneer 25 has undergone rigorous testing equivalent to three full racing seasons, proving its durability and performance across mud, rocks, and rough terrain.
Teams competing in the series will all start with the same chassis and drivetrain, but will have the freedom to tweak the Symbio fuel cell programming to suit their strategies.
Teams can also style the cars’ bodywork to resemble road-going models, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the grid.
From Extreme E to Extreme H
Extreme H builds on the success of Extreme E, which showcased the potential of battery electric off-road racing.
Now, the hydrogen series aims to push the boundaries even further. With water vapour as the only emission, Extreme H combines high-octane racing with a clear focus on sustainability.
The Pioneer 25’s hydrogen fuel cells also serve as a live demonstration of the broader potential for hydrogen technology, from motorsport to heavy industry.
This tech has already proven itself in Extreme E, where hydrogen-powered generators are used to charge the electric cars.
What’s next for Extreme H?
With the cars built, the countdown to the inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup in 2025 begins.
While the race calendar and locations are yet to be announced, the series promises to bring the same drama and spectacle as Extreme E – this time with hydrogen leading the way.
