Extreme H completes production run of new Pioneer 25 car

Extreme H has completed the production run of its race car, the Pioneer 25, which replaces the Odyssey 21 that has been utlilized by the series’ predecessor Extreme E for the last four years.

Ten of the hydrogen fuel cell cars have been built by manufacturer Spark Racing Technologies just outside Paris, France, following an intensive testing program in the southwest of the country and Scotland, in which the equivalent of three full seasons-worth of racing mileage has been completed so far. Among the test drivers to have worked on the car’s development have been Le Mans winner and pikes Peak record holder Romain Dumas, and Extreme E regulars Hedda Hosaas, Timmy and Kevin Hansen, and Catie Munnings.

“The production of our 10-car race fleet marks a major milestone as we move closer to the launch of the FIA Extreme H World Cup,” said Extreme H founder and CEO Alejandro Agag. “These cars are not just groundbreaking in terms of technology; they represent the future of sustainable motorsport, and we are ready to go.”

“Spark Racing Technology is incredibly honored to deliver the Pioneer 25 race cars for the FIA Extreme H World Cup,” said Spark chairman Nicolas Wertans. “This project has pushed the boundaries of hydrogen technology in motorsport, combining advanced engineering with sustainable innovation.

“We believe these vehicles will set a new standard for hydrogen-powered competition and inspire the future of clean energy solutions.”

The car has a peak power output of 400kW – the equivalent of 550 bhp – and a 0.62 mph time of 4.5 seconds on all surfaces, plus the ability to scale gradients of 130 percent.

While Extreme H will be a single-make series, a recent change to the upcoming series will allow manufacturers to implement their own hydrogen fuel cells, as long as they are production units produced for road vehicles. At present the 10 produced cars feature fuel cells produced by Symbio, which is part of the Stellantis automotive group.