Extreme H completes final test

The session focused on fine-tuning performance, testing technical components, and evaluating the vehicle’s latest tyre developments, all critical enhancements designed to handle the series’ unique and demanding race environments.

Former Extreme E Champion, and E.ON Next Veloce Racing driver, Molly Taylor, became the latest driver to get behind the wheel of the Pioneer 25. Offering her insights on the vehicle’s evolution, Taylor said: “It was really cool. The car has got a lot more potential to be pushed further."

On the noticeable difference of driving a hydrogen car, Molly added: “It was really interesting when they started the hydrogen up and you see all this steam coming out of the exhaust. Normally if my car at home has steam coming out, things are going really bad, but it was really cool in a way, makes you realise you are driving something that is very different. It has been nice to be able to show what we can do with technology and what we can do with motorsport and to be part of that future development.”

The Pioneer 25 represents the pinnacle of hydrogen-powered racing innovation. Equipped with hydrogen fuel cells, powered by green hydrogen gas, the cars emit only water vapour, which can either be consumed or used elsewhere on site for crucial aspects such as car washing.

The vehicle’s peak 400 kW (550 hp) output is capable of firing the 2200 kg, 2.4 m wide race car from 0 - 100 km/hr in 4.5 seconds and scale gradients of up to 130% to help it tackle the toughest terrains with precision and speed.

Swedish driver Kevin Hansen, Molly’s team mate at E.ON Next Veloce Racing in Extreme E, returned to Fontjoncouse to get his second test of the car, and he commented: “It is really nice to be back, just remembering everything from a couple of months ago, The Pioneer 25 a really good development from the Extreme E car. It is more robust, it is a proper race car.”

Leading the testing programme was Extreme H ‘s Technical Director, Mark Grain, who summarised the test, stated: “All opportunities to test a new vehicle are valuable and this latest test has proved especially so.”

The Pioneer 25 hydrogen race car is designed and manufactured by Spark Racing Technology and has undergone an intensive testing programme equivalent to more than three seasons of Extreme E racing in readiness for its debut campaign.

Each car comprises of a common package of standardised parts, the open areas for teams are the hydrogen fuel cell, which gives a crucial opportunity to test out this technology, plus the ability to style bodywork elements in order to replicate the look of everyday car models.

The Pioneer 25, the world’s first hydrogen-powered off-road race car built for the FIA Extreme H World Cup will make its competitive debut in late 2025.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/10062025/extreme-h-completes-final-test/