Extreme H, the world’s inaugural hydrogen-powered racing championship, recently commanded attention at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed’s Future Lab, showcasing its groundbreaking Pioneer 25. This revolutionary motorsport series, evolving from the successful Extreme E, aims to push the boundaries of alternative fuels in rallying while simultaneously promoting sustainability, gender equality, and climate action. The Pioneer 25’s public debut and daily Hillclimb runs underscored its potential to redefine high-performance, zero-emission off-road racing.

Crafted by Spark Racing Technology, the Pioneer 25 integrates a 75 kW Symbio hydrogen fuel cell with a 325 kW Fortescue Zero battery, powering electric motors that collectively deliver 544 PS (400 kW). This formidable 2,200 kg, 2.4-meter-wide vehicle is engineered for extreme conditions, capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds and tackling 130% gradients on brutal off-road tracks. Fueled exclusively by green hydrogen derived from renewable sources like solar and wind, the Pioneer 25 emits only water vapor and heat, ensuring zero-emission thrills. Visitors to the FOS Future Lab had an exclusive opportunity to examine its advanced FOX Suspension Live Valve Technology, offering real-time damping, and its robust safety system, which includes polymer-lined fuel tanks.

Building on three years of data from Extreme E, the Pioneer 25 has undergone rigorous off-road testing in France. Its sophisticated powertrain architecture features the hydrogen fuel cell charging the battery, which in turn drives the eMotors via a motor control unit (MCU), with a DC/DC converter managing system power. This vehicle is more than a race car; it serves as a tangible blueprint for sustainable mobility solutions applicable far beyond the racetrack.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme H, expressed pride in the series’ return to Goodwood, noting, "It was here in 2019 that we first previewed the Extreme E electric off-road championship, and now we’re back to debut the Pioneer 25 and welcome the next era with thrilling hydrogen racing." He emphasized the significance of showcasing the future of sustainable racing to the public. Four of the series’ prominent female drivers—Catie Munnings, Cristina Gutiérrez, Klara Andersson, and Amanda Sorensen—demonstrated the Pioneer 25’s capabilities on the iconic Hillclimb, reinforcing Extreme H’s commitment to gender equality within motorsport.

Mark Grain, Extreme H’s Technical Director, highlighted the opportunity for the public to engage with the Pioneer 25’s technology at the FOS Future Lab, stating, “It’s a rare opportunity to explore the technology up close and see what makes Extreme H so unique.” Set to launch as an FIA Championship in 2025 and aiming for FIA World Championship status in 2026, Extreme H is positioned as a critical platform for sustainable innovation. Its exclusive use of green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis with renewable energy, directly supports global net-zero goals by eliminating harmful emissions. The championship’s Hydrogen Hub, a collaborative effort with the FIA and Formula 1, further evaluates hydrogen’s broader potential in motorsport and general mobility, from fuel cells to infrastructure, underscoring Extreme H’s ambition to revolutionize carbon-free transport, including heavy-duty applications. The series also champions gender equality, with a male and female competitor driving each car and a significant female representation across its workforce, aiming to inspire future generations in motorsport and STEM fields.