From 2025, the FIA and Extreme E will host ‘Extreme H’, claimed as the world’s first ever off-road SUV hydrogen racing championship. Having signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding, the duo will establish a framework to create the series.
The document forms the first part in establishing the Extreme H hydrogen championship, which seeks to become an FIA Championship from its first season in 2025. By 2026, it is anticipated that the series will become an FIA World Championship if the requisite criteria can be met.
If successful, Extreme H will join seven other official FIA World Championships. The duo’s pathway demonstrates the series’ progression since its inception in 2021, in addition to being a strong statement of intent for its growth toward a hydrogen-powered future.
At present, Extreme H is under development and plans are in place to launch a prototype vehicle in late 2023 ahead of the 2025 season.
“Using sustainable power sources in motorsport is the key objective of the FIA and part of our long-term strategy, and this series is an ideal showcase for that,” explained Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president, FIA. “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. 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.”
“Establishing alongside the FIA a world-first hydrogen racing world championship will be a momentous milestone for Extreme E and the new Extreme H series,” added Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO, Extreme E. “Eventual accreditation as an FIA Championship and then an FIA World Championship means we would be amongst the top tier of global motorsport categories, and Extreme H would be the first-ever world championship racing series of its kind. This announcement is a significant first step in the development of our championship and our groundbreaking transition to hydrogen-powered racing.
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