Extreme H’s hydrogen-powered Pioneer 25 passes FIA crash safety tests

Extreme H has reached another critical milestone in its push for hydrogen-powered racing. The Pioneer 25, their hydrogen-powered race car, has successfully passed the stringent FIA crash tests – the first hydrogen race car to meet such safety standards.

This achievement builds on Extreme H’s bold transition (which we previously covered in the unveiling of the Pioneer 25) with hydrogen replacing the previous battery electric powertrain.

The latest tests included side impact, rollover safety, and full system monitoring, ensuring the car’s hydrogen tanks and pressurised systems remained intact and undamaged.

A game-changer for hydrogen in motorsport

Mark Grain, Technical Director at Extreme E (now Extreme H), expressed the significance of this success: “It’s a big achievement. No other hydrogen racing cars have gone through crash tests like we have.”

These developments follow Extreme H’s announcement earlier this year to transition its vehicles entirely to hydrogen, setting the stage for a whole new era in motorsport sustainability.

The crash tests are part of a comprehensive testing phase as Extreme H gears up for its inaugural 2025 season. The resilience tests for the tanks and battery packs are set to be completed soon, followed by track testing later this year.

What’s next for Extreme H?

After this key milestone, production of Extreme H cars is set to begin. With the cars expected to be delivered to teams by the end of 2024, the stage is set for a ground-breaking debut season.

Extreme H’s evolution from electric to hydrogen is one of the most ambitious projects in motorsport – and the passing of these tests further solidifying its standing.

Not only will this open new doors for hydrogen adoption in motorsports, but it could also fuel further developments (as motorsport always has done) from transportation to hydrogen infrastructure and beyond.