The future of motorsport is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by the team behind the groundbreaking all-electric off-road racing series, Extreme E. Building upon their success, the creators unveiled plans in 2022 for a pioneering hydrogen-powered off-shoot, aptly named Extreme H. With a prototype vehicle already completing a successful shakedown last month, the stage is set for Extreme H to make its grand debut in 2025.

The organizers of Extreme E have worked tirelessly to lay the groundwork for Extreme H, culminating in the series receiving FIA Championship status for its inaugural year. This is no small feat, as Extreme H is poised to become part of the prestigious FIA portfolio that includes seven world championships, counting among them Formula 1, the World Rally Championship, the World Endurance Championship, and Formula E, with the latter set to join in 2026.


Founder and CEO of Extreme E, Alejandro Agag, exudes excitement about the monumental step that Extreme H represents. He states, “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." This move cements Extreme H as a top-tier contender in the global motorsport landscape, setting the stage for the first-ever world championship racing series of its kind.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem shares in this excitement, emphasizing the significance of sustainable power sources in motorsport. He believes that Extreme H serves as an ideal platform to showcase the potential of hydrogen as a viable source of power, a sentiment echoed by the FIA's commitment to developing safety regulations for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Building on the success of the Extreme E model, Extreme H will introduce a newly designed spec car developed by Spark Racing Technology. This car will be powered by a controlled hydrogen fuel cell, generating a power-to-weight ratio comparable to the existing Extreme E Odyssey 21 machine. Rigorous testing awaits the vehicle later this year, paving the way for an official launch. Furthermore, plans are in place for the car to participate in simulation races alongside the established Extreme E next year.


Agag reflects on the journey that led to the creation of Extreme H, acknowledging that what began as a conversation about racing in extreme environments has evolved into a platform that showcases remarkable innovation and performance. He sees this transition to hydrogen-powered racing as a testament to the power of sport to drive innovation and sustainability.

With its anticipated launch in 2025, Extreme H is set to mirror the event format and calendar of Extreme E. Both series are also committed to the concept of gender equality, with teams fielding male and female driver line-ups. Agag reveals that current Extreme E teams are already expressing keen interest in transitioning to Extreme H for its inaugural season, indicating the enthusiasm for this pioneering endeavor.

As plans for Extreme H's launch progress, the fate of Extreme E beyond 2024 remains uncertain. Agag clarifies that the series will continue to run as an FIA championship in 2024, and decisions about its integration with Extreme H will be made based on circumstances, likely in the middle of next year.

The transformation of the motorsport landscape is underway, and Extreme H is poised to play a pivotal role in driving innovation, sustainability, and excitement in the world of racing. As the first-ever world championship racing series powered by hydrogen, Extreme H represents a bold step towards a greener and more electrifying future in motorsport.