Turn to hydrogen set to shake up Extreme E calendar

Extreme E’s impending switch to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles could lead to changes in how the calendar is put together.

At present, in its battery-electric form, the championship comprises five doubleheader events. That number is heavily restricted by the series’ reliance on sea freight in order to cut down on its environmental impact, but there could be an expansion in future seasons, says championship managing director Ali Russell.

“I think as long as we don't get too over-ambitious with global coverage, there's no doubt in my mind we can probably do six to eight events,” he said. “But what we'd have to do is be more regional at a certain point. We might do something around the Mediterranean basin: North Africa, the Middle East and southern Europe. That would give us an opportunity to do more races.”

The focus on hydrogen could also open up the series to other markets, according to series founder and CEO Alejandro Agag.

“I think with the hydrogen, maybe that’s one direction to go -- to countries that are betting super-heavy on hydrogen,” he said.

That could lead to fewer races in completely remote locations, which was the original aim of the series when it launched in 2021, but Agag admits that the calendar has to remain realistic for those involved with the series.

“The dream of racing super far [away] is great, but get also the balance of reality,” he said. “It’s all a balancing act. We’re going to be closer to civilization, but maybe keeping one or two far away.”

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Confirmation of next year’s schedule is expected in the coming weeks, with Russell noting that there are “really exciting discussions going on at the moment,” regarding the 2024 calendar.

“A lot of it is based on the development around the hydrogen vehicle as well -- we very much want to seek an opportunity to test the cars next year as well so that you actually see the hydrogen car in 2024,” he said. “We've got a variety of locations that we're looking at.”