First Hydrogen Racing Car: Passed the FIA Rigorous Crash Tests

Extreme H’s: Pioneer 25 hydrogen race car made history, the first hydrogen vehicle to pass the FIA rigorous crash tests, meeting the global motorsport strict safety standards.

A groundbreaking hydrogen-powered racing car, the Pioneer 25, has made history by successfully passing the stringent FIA crash tests, positioning it as the first hydrogen vehicle to meet the global motorsport vehicle’s rigorous safety criteria. The tests focused on side-impact and rollover safety, which the car passed with exceptional results.

Mark Grain, Extreme E’s Technical Director, hailed the achievement: “This is a significant milestone. The Pioneer 25 is the first hydrogen race car to meet the stringent FIA criteria. High and low pressures were maintained throughout the tests, indicating no damage to the hydrogen system.”

The Pioneer 25 will undergo further resilience testing for its hydrogen tanks and battery packs. It will embark on its first international tests outside of Europe, with trials scheduled for Japan and India, where it will tackle diverse terrains to ensure optimal performance.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to hydrogen-powered motorsport: “We are fully dedicated to becoming the world’s first hydrogen racing series. This achievement not only marks a pivotal moment for Extreme H but also for the future of sustainable racing.”

The production of Extreme H cars for the first racing season will commence in the coming weeks, with delivery set before the end of 2024. The Pioneer 25 was showcased at the Hydro X Prix in Scotland, powered by Symbio fuel cells and boasts an impressive power output of 400kW.

The Pioneer 25 success marks a significant leap forward in hydrogen mobility and racing, setting the stage for an exciting inaugural season in 2025.

This hydrogen racing car will be tested on premier Indian circuits, with potential venues including the Buddh International Circuit in Uttar Pradesh and the Madras Motor Race Track in Andhra Pradesh. These high-standard tracks are ideal for evaluating the car’s performance across diverse tracks, marching a step forward for hydrogen mobility in motorsports.

The specific test zones and schedules will be officially released and these prominent tracks are opted for their international infrastructure.