In a historic moment for the racing industry, Extreme E has launched Extreme H, the world’s first hydrogen racing series. The event unfolded on the iconic Tower Bridge in London, mirroring the birthplace of Extreme E in 2019. With a focus on sustainability, the series aims to make a significant impact on the transition to green energy.
Founder Alejandro Agag expressed his excitement about the switch to hydrogen, acknowledging the challenges faced in previous attempts to integrate hydrogen cars into racing. However, Extreme H’s unique race format and the momentum surrounding the hydrogen ecosystem present an opportunity to develop and showcase the potential of hydrogen technology. The championship aims to become a global platform for the transition to green hydrogen, playing a vital role in shaping the future of automotive racing.
At the heart of Extreme H is the Pioneer 25, an impressive offroad vehicle designed and manufactured by Spark Racing Technology. Equipped with a 75kW (100hp) hydrogen fuel cell from Symbio, the Pioneer 25 combines hydrogen power with battery technology. With a remarkable peak output of 400kW (550hp), the car can accelerate from 0-100kph in just 4.5 seconds. Its robust construction allows it to conquer challenging terrains, including gradients of up to 130 percent.
While green hydrogen remains the ultimate goal, Extreme H acknowledges the current limitations in its production. Only a fraction of global hydrogen production is classified as “green” – produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. However, other forms of hydrogen, such as pink hydrogen generated using nuclear power, may also be utilized. The championship firmly rejects the use of grey hydrogen, which offers no improvement in emissions over combustion.
Transporting hydrogen presents another significant challenge for Extreme H. Agag acknowledges the need to explore various technologies for hydrogen conversion and transportation, including the potential conversion of hydrogen to ammonia. The championship has previously used methanol to power its race sites, partnering with Kaizen. Addressing the unique challenges posed by the St Helena ship, the championship may consider alternative transportation methods for methanol or ammonia.
Extreme H’s success is built upon strong partnerships. PIF, the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, serves as the Principal Partner for the E360 electric racing series, which includes Extreme E, Formula E, and E1. Other key partners include ENOWA, Vodafone Business, Siemens, and Jackson Swiss Partners. Additionally, Red Bull has become a direct sponsor of Extreme H, supporting the championship in its mission to showcase hydrogen technology’s capabilities.
Amidst the ongoing debate between battery power and hydrogen, Extreme H positions itself at the center, embracing the complementary nature of both technologies. While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) undeniably excel in urban environments, hydrogen offers unique advantages for longer distances. The championship aims to promote a message of synergy between the two power sources and raise awareness about the versatility and potential of hydrogen technology.
Extreme H is poised to revolutionize offroad racing by demonstrating the endurance and performance of hydrogen-powered vehicles in extreme conditions. Through innovation, partnership, and a commitment to sustainability, the championship aims to pave the way for a greener future in the racing industry.
FAQs about Extreme H: The World’s First Hydrogen Racing Series
1. What is Extreme H?
Extreme H is the world’s first hydrogen racing series launched by Extreme E. It aims to make a significant impact on the transition to green energy in the racing industry.
2. Why is Extreme H considered historic?
Extreme H is historic because it is the first racing series to use hydrogen-powered vehicles, showcasing the potential of hydrogen technology in racing.
3. Who is Alejandro Agag?
Alejandro Agag is the founder of Extreme E and is excited about the switch to hydrogen in the racing series. He believes the unique race format and momentum surrounding the hydrogen ecosystem present an opportunity to develop and showcase the potential of hydrogen technology.
4. What is the Pioneer 25?
The Pioneer 25 is an offroad vehicle at the heart of Extreme H. It is designed and manufactured by Spark Racing Technology and combines hydrogen power with battery technology for impressive performance.
5. Why is green hydrogen the ultimate goal?
Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources, making it environmentally friendly. Extreme H aims to promote the use of green hydrogen while acknowledging the current limitations in its production.
6. What are the challenges of transporting hydrogen?
Extreme H acknowledges the challenges of transporting hydrogen and is exploring various technologies for hydrogen conversion and transportation. One potential method being considered is the conversion of hydrogen to ammonia.
7. Who are the key partners of Extreme H?
The key partners of Extreme H include PIF (Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund), ENOWA, Vodafone Business, Siemens, Jackson Swiss Partners, and Red Bull, which has become a direct sponsor of the championship.
8. How does Extreme H view the debate between battery power and hydrogen?
Extreme H positions itself at the center of the debate and embraces the complementary nature of both battery power and hydrogen technologies. While battery electric vehicles excel in urban environments, hydrogen offers unique advantages for longer distances.
9. What is the aim of Extreme H?
Extreme H aims to revolutionize offroad racing by demonstrating the endurance and performance of hydrogen-powered vehicles in extreme conditions. Through innovation, partnership, and a commitment to sustainability, it aims to pave the way for a greener future in the racing industry.
Key Terms:
– Extreme H: The world’s first hydrogen racing series launched by Extreme E.
– Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources.
– Pioneer 25: An offroad vehicle designed and manufactured by Spark Racing Technology for Extreme H.
– Electrolysis: The process of using an electric current to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases.
– Grey Hydrogen: Hydrogen that is produced from fossil fuels and does not reduce emissions compared to combustion.
Related Links:
– Extreme E
– Spark Racing Technology
– Vodafone Business
– Siemens
– Red Bull
