Extreme E has revealed plans for a new hydrogen-powered series, Extreme H.
The series will run alongside Extreme E on the same race weekends, using the same locations and sporting format but with a hydrogen fuel cell replacing the battery as the car’s energy source in what will be a world first for single-make motorsport.
“Extreme E was designed to be a testbed for innovation and solutions for mobility,” explained Extreme E and Extreme H founder Alejandro Agag.
“It has become increasingly clear to us that creating a hydrogen racing series is a natural evolution of our mission to showcase the possibilities of new technologies in the race to fight climate issues.
“Extreme E is an FIA international series and our intention is to work closely again with the FIA and the Automobile Club de Monaco on the development of Extreme H.
“Sport is the fastest and most effective platform for driving innovation, and by using the existing Extreme E platform we can also utilize our transport, talent and operations to ensure we are minimising footprint in the process.
“This effectively means we can have double the race action, with marginal additional impact,” Agag added, referencing the fact that with both series travelling and being staged together, the environmental impact from logistics is shared between two series rather than just being the burden of one.
For Extreme E to be evolving into Extreme H is incredibly exciting and a brilliant step forward in such a short space of timeJenson Button
Hybrid power source aside, Extreme H will retain the same powertrain and chassis as those used in Extreme E which will continue as a battery-powered series. Extreme E’s car batteries are already charged using a combination of green solar and water power which will be used to power Extreme H fuel cells.
“For Extreme E to be evolving into Extreme H is incredibly exciting and a brilliant step forward in such a short space of time for the series,” said Jenson Button, owner of the JBXE Extreme E team.
“To see racing of this caliber powered by hydrogen cells, which will allow for even more racing with less impact, is remarkable”
Development of the first Extreme H prototype is already well underway, with a first run anticipated next year ahead of a full debut for the new series in 2024.
The second season of Extreme E begins this weekend in NEOM, a developing ‘smart city’ in northern Saudi Arabia.
