Extreme H: Hydrogen Racing's Bold New Frontier

Hydrogen-powered Pioneer 25 race cars tear through the rugged terrain of Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, during the inaugural Extreme H World Cup. (AI-generated image)

By EVWorld.com Si Editorial Team

Origins: From Extreme E to Extreme H

Extreme H is the world's first hydrogen-powered off-road motorsport series, launching October 9–11, 2025, in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, 45 km southwest of Riyadh. It evolved from Extreme E, the battery-electric series founded by Alejandro Agag in 2021, which ran five seasons in remote, climate-impacted regions. With hydrogen now seen as a scalable clean energy solution, the series pivots to fuel cell technology—ushering in a new era of sustainable motorsport.

Hydrogen Supply: Electrolysis in the Desert

Hydrogen for Extreme H will be supplied by ENOWA, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project. ENOWA produces green hydrogen via electrolysis, using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This method ensures zero direct emissions and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push toward clean energy leadership.

The series also partners with GeoPura, which provides hydrogen-powered infrastructure for paddock operations, broadcasting, and logistics—replacing diesel generators with mobile hydrogen units.

Teams and Format

Extreme H retains the gender-equal format pioneered by Extreme E: each team fields one male and one female driver, with mid-race driver swaps in a designated “switch zone.” Confirmed teams for the inaugural season include:

• Veloce Racing (UK-based)
• SUN Minimeal Team (Asia-based)

Rosberg X Racing, the most successful team in Extreme E history, has shut down operations and will not transition to Extreme H.

The Pioneer 25: Hydrogen SUV Specs

The race car for Extreme H is the Pioneer 25, built by Spark Racing Technology and powered by a 75kW hydrogen fuel cell from Symbio. Key performance specs include:

• Power: 400kW (550hp)
• Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds
• Weight: 2,200 kg
• Drive: Dual-motor all-wheel drive
• Terrain capability: Can climb gradients up to 130%

The car emits only water vapor and is designed to operate reliably in extreme conditions—heat, dust, and elevation—making it a testbed for hydrogen’s viability in heavy mobility.

Qiddiya City: The Desert Stage

The inaugural race takes place on a custom-built off-road course in Qiddiya City, a megaproject 45 km southwest of Riyadh. Set against the Tuwaiq Mountains, the terrain features:

• Sand dunes and rocky outcrops
• Elevation changes and technical switchbacks
• Harsh desert climate to stress-test fuel cell systems

Qiddiya is designed as “the world’s first city built entirely for play,” with ambitions to host Formula 1, Dakar Rally, and other global events. It aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, with 100% wastewater reuse, EV charging in 80% of parking spaces, and a national goal of planting 10 billion trees by 2030.

Strategic Goals

Extreme H and Qiddiya share a mission:

• Prove hydrogen’s viability in real-world, high-performance conditions
• Promote sustainable urban development through sport and innovation
• Inspire global audiences to embrace clean energy and inclusive competition

Motorsport has always been a proving ground for new technology. With Extreme H, hydrogen steps into the spotlight—not just as a fuel, but as a future.

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