Delving into the controversial discourse surrounding eco-friendly racing: Backstage's exploration of sustainable motorsport
In the world of motorsport, a groundbreaking transformation is underway. Extreme E, the electric off-road racing championship launched in 2021, has evolved into Extreme H, marking a significant shift towards hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Created by Alejandro Agag, the mind behind Formula E, Extreme E made a name for itself by featuring 100% electric SUVs competing in rugged, environmentally sensitive locations, with a strong emphasis on gender equality. The series, which combined thrilling, Dakar-style racing with raising awareness about climate change and environmental preservation, has now moved on to hydrogen power.
Extreme H, the FIA’s first hydrogen off-road championship, delivers similar high power (around 550 hp) and crucially, can be refueled in just minutes, overcoming the longer charging times of batteries. This change emphasizes Extreme H’s role as a testing ground and accelerator for the wider hydrogen economy, reflecting growing interest in hydrogen as a clean energy vector.
The series maintains the original format, with mixed-gender teams, short tournament-style rounds, and immersive storytelling on climate issues. By staging races in ecosystems threatened by climate change, Extreme H continues to shine a global spotlight on urgent environmental issues, integrating sport with activism.
Extreme H's impact on sustainability and innovation is far-reaching:
- **Environmental Awareness:** The series raises awareness about climate change and environmental preservation, using its races as a platform to educate and inspire global audiences. - **Technological Innovation:** The move from electric batteries to hydrogen fuel cells represents a major evolution, showcasing hydrogen’s potential for zero-emission transport in extreme conditions and offsetting limitations of battery electric vehicles in terms of range and recharge times. - **Industry Collaboration:** The championship partners with major automotive and energy firms, racing manufacturers like McLaren and Nissan (who also compete in Formula E), thus bridging motorsport with cutting-edge sustainable technology development. - **Infrastructure and Legacy:** The series’ race sites use innovative, minimal-impact infrastructure to reduce carbon footprint, and its operations focus on social and environmental reports to measure and improve its sustainability impact.
Looking ahead, Extreme H serves as both a sporting spectacle and a pioneering platform for advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology in motorsport and beyond. It holds promise for accelerating hydrogen adoption in commercial and industrial sectors by proving the technology's reliability and performance in difficult terrains and competitive conditions. This positions the championship at the forefront of sustainable mobility innovation, pushing the boundaries of zero-emission racing while educating and inspiring global audiences about cleaner energy futures.
At the upcoming Conference 2025, Robert Doornbos, Ferrari’s Chief Research and Development Officer, Skytree, VS Particle, and Open Food Chain, among others, will discuss driving innovation and sustainability in various sectors. The podcast on Backstage this week will delve into the world of Extreme H, offering an exclusive discount on tickets for the Conference. Previous episodes of the six-part series Backstage, which focuses on various aspects of the sustainable future, can still be caught up on.
Extreme E's original vision, as expressed by Ali Russell, then the managing director of Extreme E, was to fight climate change through high-octane racing, serve as a testing ground for EV innovation, and a global platform for environmental advocacy. With its transition to Extreme H, this vision continues to take shape, blazing a trail for a cleaner, greener future.
The shift towards hydrogen fuel cell technology in Extreme H, as a testing ground for clean energy vectors, signifies the merging of lifestyle and technology with environmental-science, aiming to combat climate-change and promote environmental preservation. Extreme H's partnerships with major automotive and energy firms further emphasize the integration of motorsport with cutting-edge sustainable technology development, paving the way for innovation in various sectors.
