Extreme E 2025

25-10-01 ACCIONA SAINZ returns to Extreme E with QEV
ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM, powered by Spanish electromobility specialists QEV Technologies, has confirmed its return for the Final Lap of Extreme E this October, with Jamaican star Fraser McConnell and motorsport legend Laia Sanz continuing their successful driver partnership.

Founded by two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Dakar winner Carlos Sainz, ACCIONA SAINZ XE TEAM has been a frontrunner in Extreme E since day one, achieving three round victories and multiple podiums. Last season, McConnell and Sanz secured three podiums from four starts, including a win at the Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia.

QEV Technologies, a global leader in sustainable mobility and technical partner of the team, has been instrumental in its success. For over 20 years, QEV has delivered race-winning electric drivetrains across Formula E, FIA RX2e, and America’s Nitrocross series, and remains a pioneer in alternative mobility solutions.

It has also been in Extreme E since day one. As technical partner to the ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM – founded by two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Dakar Rally winner Carlos Sainz – it has overseen three round victories, making it one of the most successful teams in the series' history.

ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM, with McConnell and Sainz had a fantastic final season in Extreme E, taking three podiums from four starts, including a win at the second Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia.They will once again take to the starting line for Extreme E’s ‘Final Lap’.

Jamaica's top motorsport star McConnell, who drove for the QEV-led Acciona Sainz team in 2024, is among Extreme E's most successful drivers with three event victories to his name.

He won his first overseas championship title in 2019, taking the ARX2 crown, and made history in 2021 by becoming the first Jamaican to win a Rallycross Supercar race when he defeated Johan Kristoffersson at the RallyX Nordic round at Nysum in Denmark. More recently McConnell has won four times in Nitrocross' premier 'Group E' class.

Fraser McConnell, driver for ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM, said: “Having the opportunity to continue with the ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM is a huge honor. From the very first day, I knew we could achieve great results. We’ve built a strong relationship and I’m confident we can continue our podium streak in this special farewell to Extreme E.”

Perhaps best known for her exploits on two wheels, Sanz was an unstoppable force in Trials riding, winning the international Trial World Championship 13 times between 2000-2013. She's also been a regular presence at the Dakar Rally, and in 2015 achieved her best finish – and the best for a female on two wheels – when she took ninth place.

In the 2010s, Sanz transitioned to four wheels, racing in the 24H Series at the 24 Hours of Barcelona. She has also appeared in the SEAT Leon Eurocup, and has competed in the top car class at Dakar since 2022, achieving a best finish of 15th in last year's edition of the event.

In Extreme E she has been a constant presence since day one, firstly partnering ACCIONA SAINZ XE TEAM founder Carlos Sainz, then Mattias Ekstrom, before teaming up with McConnell for the first time last year.

Laia Sanz, driver for ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM, said: "I’m really happy to be back with the ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM alongside Fraser. We finished last season with great momentum and the goal is clear: fight at the front and close Extreme E on a high"

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E and Extreme H, said: “Carlos Sainz is a true giant of motorsport, and his team has been part of Extreme E’s DNA since the very beginning. With Fraser McConnell and Laia Sanz, ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM has delivered incredible performances season after season, proving what can be achieved when world-class talent meets technical innovation.

“To have this team back for the Final Lap feels like the perfect way to honour the journey of Extreme E. It is a fitting closing chapter for one of the series’ most iconic teams, and a powerful bridge into the next era with Extreme H.”

Extreme E’s Final Lap will run on 4 to 5 October 2025 in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, before the world’s first hydrogen racing championship, Extreme H, kicks off the following weekend.

Qiddiya City is the world’s first city built entirely for play, where entertainment, sport, and culture converge. The race will take place with the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains, close to the site which is currently undergoing transformation to become a world-leading motorsport venue.

25-09-30 Hansen Brothers Podcast: Q&A with Catie Munnings and Andreas Bakkerud
In the most recent episode of the Hansen Brothers Podcast, Kevin and Timmy Hansen welcome two big names to Hansen Motorsport: Catie Munnings and Andreas Bakkerud. The pair have been announced as Team Hansen’s drivers for both Extreme E and the upcoming FIA Extreme H World Cup in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia.

Watch the full episode here or tune in on your favourite podcast platform!

Q: Catie, we’ve worked together a lot in the past. Are you excited to officially join Team Hansen?

Catie Munnings: "I feel like I’ve gone through the academy with YellowSquad in rallycross - it’s such a small world. To now be starting an Extreme E and Extreme H team is really exciting. But also, to be a part of it, I think I’d have been offended if you’d have taken anyone else to be honest with you. As you say, I’m the third sibling."

Q: Andreas, given our history as rivals, why are you joining Hansen Motorsport now?

Andreas Bakkerud: "It’s a very good question, and it’s a question everyone is kind of asking me. There is a big history here… But at the same time, we’re not racing rallycross this time, we are racing Extreme E and Extreme H. Hansen Motorsport has been in the game for a long time, been very successful, and it’s a top team, so I think we can achieve some good results together."

Q: Timmy, you’re stepping into a new role as Team Principal for Extreme H. How does that feel?

Timmy Hansen: "Once I realised the clash was with E1, I didn’t want to let Team Brazil down again, so I knew I couldn’t drive. But then things came together, and we could have our own team.

"I still love racing, so I wanted to be part of it somehow. Working on the team, getting Catie and Andreas as drivers, has all been super exciting. As a driver, you usually only affect results in those five to seven minutes behind the wheel. But as Team Principal, the way I can influence the result is by doing a really good job now - finding the right staff, engineers, mechanics, building a team from nothing. It’s been cool, and I’ll join you guys for the second week when you start driving the Extreme H car. Then I’ll be bothering you the whole time."

Q: Kevin, you’re not racing for a Hansen team. Are you still involved but in a different way?

Kevin Hansen: "I’ve been very much part of putting this together - working with Andreas, with the series, with partners to make everything happen. I love this team, and it’s hard not being part of it on track, but I’ll root for you guys."
Andreas Bakkerud and Catie Munnings on joining Team Hansen

Q: What do you expect from the Extreme H car compared to Extreme E?

Catie Munnings: "The car’s pretty similar, but you sit in the centre which takes getting used to. The geometry and suspension are a bit different, and braking will be key. The biggest challenge will be adapting throughout the week with new sporting formats and racing in 40-degree heat."

Andreas Bakkerud: "I didn’t do much testing before in Extreme E, so it’s going to be cool to hear from you guys about the approach. I’ve heard the Extreme H car is heavier, slower, but with better suspension. That’s going to be interesting."

Q: What will be the biggest challenge in Saudi Arabia?

Catie Munnings: "Track walk will probably be one of the hardest days. Obviously having the new formats, we don’t really know how the racing will look. There’s going to be a lot of cars out on track at once. It’s going to be about not picking up penalties and not doing stupid stuff and trying to get some results."

Andreas Bakkerud: "It’s going be interesting for me as well… I didn’t do that many laps in Extreme E before, so I've got some things to learn before we start racing - both the Extreme E car but also the H car, because I obviously didn’t test that car yet."

Q: How are you preparing for the conditions?

Catie Munnings: "I’ve actually been doing some heat training. Sauna work, hot baths - uncomfortably hot baths and just sitting in it for a long time. General fitness will be a big thing. Neck strength, back strength... I think that will be a massive factor."

Andreas Bakkerud: "Panic training! I was out for a run today because I haven’t had the time to do a lot of exercise this year. I’m going to use this time here in Spain to just get used to the heat. Catie texted me last night being like, ‘I hope you have a cooling vest. Bring 10 of it!’"

Q: And what are your expectations for these race weeks?

Catie Munnings: "It’s about being ahead of the game. If you can be a team that’s proactive rather than reactive, that’s where success comes in the early stages of something new. I’m happy that Timmy’s leading the team because he’s got such a good eye for competition."

Andreas Bakkerud: "When I put my name on the entry list, I’m there to win. But the reality is, Extreme E hasn’t always been my best feeling. This year though, I’ve found joy again in racing, so I’ll bring that momentum with me. It’s going to be tough, but I’m excited."

Q: A final word from Team Hansen?
Timmy Hansen: "We wouldn’t be working with you unless we had massive respect for you, Andreas. We believe you’re the best driver out there to go and win. And Catie, you were one of the quickest in Extreme E, especially at the last Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia. Together, you’ll have a fantastic chance of pulling off the win."

25-09-30 Dubbelt upp för KMS i Extreme E/H
Kristoffersson Motorsport dubblar sitt deltagande i Extreme E/H. Ole Christian Veiby och Hedda Hosås kommer att kampera ihop i Team KMS Even.
- Det blir en bra kombination. Hedda har kört de här bilarna förut och jag har min rallyerfarenhet, säger Ole Christian.

En helnorsk förarbesättning alltså, med ett svenskt team bakom sig, rutinerade KMS, som redan har presenterat Team KMS med svenska duon Johan Kristoffersson och Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky. Men det stannar alltså inte där. Det kreativa teamet från Arvika dubblar sina chanser i avslutningen av Extreme E och - framför allt - lanseringen av Extreme H.
- Jag är verkligen stolt att få vara en del av Team KMS Even. Målet är att fightas om topplaceringar, men också att lära mig så mycket som möjligt under en fantastisk tid med KMS-teamet, säger Hedda Hosås.

Hosås har erfarenhet från Extreme E sedan tidigare och är dessutom en av få förare som har känt på Extreme H-bilarna.
- Det var viktigt för oss att få med Hedda som har kört i mästerskapet tidigare, tävlat i en del annan off-road och dessutom har testat de nya vätgasbilarna, säger teamchefen i KMS, Nils Andersson.
- Det är spännande att vara en del av någonting som pekar ut framtiden för motorsport. Jag har varit en del av testprogrammet ända sedan starten så jag är verkligen förväntansfull, säger Hedda.

För Ole Christian Veiby blir det däremot debut inom off-road.
- Det är kul med något nytt. Jag hoppar in i vad som helst som ger en möjlighet att tävla. Jag tror också att det här kommer att passa mig bra med min bakgrund inom rally. Det kan inte vara så svårt.

Ett moment inom Extreme är förarbytet, men inte heller det får Veiby att darra.
- Förarbyte har jag varit med om när vi kört Porsche i 12-timmars och det har ju också hänt i något rally att man fått punktering och snabbt måste ut och byta hjul. Det ska inte bli något problem med det, säger Veiby.

Och ett inspel om Ole Christians förutsättningar att lyckas inom off-road kommer från KMS-kamraten - och i det här fallet konkurrenten - Johan Kristoffersson.
- Jag tror att det här passar honom utmärkt. Det har jag sagt ända sedan 2021 när jag började köra Extreme E. Det är bra att han får chansen att visa det nu. Dessutom har Ole Christian varit riktigt på hugget på senaste tiden, säger Kristoffersson och får medhåll från teamets VD, Tommy Kristoffersson.
- Ser fram emot att se vad OC kan prestera i den här disciplinen. Han har en gedigen rallybakgrund toppad med både banracing och rallycross. Det är få, om ens någon, i världen med samma erfarenhet som honom i samma ålder.

För Kristoffersson Motorsport är det dubbla deltagandet i kommande två veckors tävlingar i Saudiarabien ett riktigt statement.
- Rallycross är fortfarande vårt huvudmål, men vi vill sondera terrängen ifall det inte blir något mer där. Och när det nu står en VM-titel på spel vill vi vara med och kämpa om den, säger Tommy Kristoffersson.

25-09-29 KMS vidgar sina vyer - kör off-road
En avskedsföreställning för Extreme E och premiär för Extreme H i Saudiarabien. Det är vad som väntar när Kristoffersson Motorsport vidgar sina vyer och ger sig in i terrängbilsleken. Det blir också återförening mellan Johan Kristoffersson och Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky.
- Det ska bli väldigt kul att tävla med Mikaela igen. Det var länge sen nu, säger Kristoffersson.

Kristoffersson och Åhlin-Kottulinsky vann Extreme E-serien 2023, tävlande för Rosberg X Racing. RXR finns inte längre och när nu den avbrutna säsongen för 2024 ska gå i mål tävlar den svenska duon som Team KMS för Kristoffersson Motorsport, som gör debut i den här typen av motorsport.

Kommande helg körs den sista ronden i elbilsserien Extreme E i Qiddiya City. För Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky blir det både nytt och bekant.
- Spännande att sätta sig i Extreme E-bilen och tävla med Johan igen. Dessutom kul att göra det här med Kristoffersson Motorsport. Jag har ju ändå tävlat med KMS tidigare i form av Team E och sen också vid VM-finalen i rallycross i Hongkong 2023. Härligt att få träffa det gänget igen, säger Åhlin-Kottulinsky.

Världens mest framgångsrika rallycrossteam bryter alltså ny mark.
- En ny utmaning är alltid stimulerande. Vi är vana att hantera nya situationer och har ett kvalificerat gäng för att klara av det. Vi vill vara med där det händer, för att se om det öppnar nya dörrar för framtiden, säger teamchefen Nils Andersson och får medhåll från teamets VD Tommy Kristoffersson:
- Vi sonderar terrängen eftersom vi inte vet hur statusen på rallycross ser ut inför nästa år, även om RX fortfarande är vårt huvudmål. Off-road kan vara något som passar oss med den personal vi har och förarbesättningen med Johan och Ole Christian, säger Tommy och fortsätter:
- Vi är vana att komma väl förberedda till våra tävlingar. Det har vi inte möjlighet till den här gången, men det är å andra sidan nytt för alla team och jag vet att vi brukar vara bra på att göra snabba omställningar, vilket kan vara en liten fördel för oss nu när ännu en VM-titel står på spel.

Den titeln ställs upp på piedestalen när Extreme E har gått i mål. Då väntar nämligen några dagars förberedelser inför World Cup i Extreme H, premiären för efterträdaren, där bilarna drivs med vätgas.
- Det är World Cup-titeln som lockar allra mest under den här resan. Jag har bara sett Extreme H-bilarna en gång, i Skottland, men vet inget om hur de är att köra. Men jag tror det kan bli bra. De är nog inte så annorlunda jämfört med Extreme E-bilarna, säger Johan Kristoffersson, som därvidlag är i samma läge som teamkamraten:
- Spännande att testa nya bilen. Jag har bara hört talas om den. Det kommer bli intensiva testdagar med att försöka förstå sig på körsättet så att man blir snabb. Klart att man alltid ger sig in i en tävling och vill vinna, men det är också ett otroligt tufft startfält. Vi får försöka att få ut så mycket info som möjligt på så kort tid som möjligt och göra bra ifrån oss, säger Mikaela.

Extreme H körs torsdag-lördag under andra tävlingsveckan och här gäller ett delvis nytt koncept, jämfört med E.
- Det blir några olika segment, en specialsträcka typ som i rally, en head-to-head mellan teamen och sist ett multicar-race, som i rallycross, liknande som det har varit tidigare i Extreme E, berättar Nils Andersson, som intar sin vanliga roll som teamchef, men i ett nytt sammanhang och en ny miljö - med mycket sand.
- Jag har googlat platsen vi ska köra på. Jag fick zooma ut väldigt mycket för att hitta något annat än sand…

25-09-23 Hansen Motorsport enters FIA Extreme H World Cup with Andreas Bakkerud and Catie Munnings
Swedish squad enters Extreme E's Final Lap and the FIA Extreme H World Cup
Carbon-neutral rallycross team to expand sustainability efforts at inaugural hydrogen-powered motorsport event
Timmy Hansen takes on a new role of Team Principal
Rallycross rival Andreas Bakkerud joins Team Hansen alongside Catie Munnings

Hansen Motorsport today (23 September) confirms its participation in Extreme E’s Final Lap and the inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup, as the family-run outfit enters a new chapter in its motorsport journey.

Led by 14-time European Rallycross Champion Kenneth Hansen, the team has been a dominant force in rallycross, winning more top-level championships than any of its rivals. Hansen Motorsport now expands its focus from electric racing in the FIA World Rallycross Championship to hydrogen-powered motorsport.

Entering as ‘Team Hansen’, the squad will be under the stewardship of 2019 World RX Champion Timmy Hansen. Formerly an Extreme E driver with Andretti United, the Swede is stepping away from the driver’s seat due to a prior commitment with Team Brazil in the E1 Series.

As one of a few drivers to have raced in every X Prix to-date, Hansen approaches the new hydrogen era in the new role of Team Principal, bringing a deep understanding of the perspective of his drivers.

Timmy Hansen, Team Hansen Team Principal, said: "It’s a special moment for me to step into the role of Team Principal for Team Hansen. For us motorsport has always been a family effort, and to now take on a new role after everything I’ve learned from my mum Susann and my dad Kenneth feels like an exciting challenge.

"I’m super happy to have Andreas Bakkerud and Catie Munnings as our drivers. Catie and I have built a great dynamic as team-mates over the years, and with Andreas I have shared so many battles and memories, and I know first-hand how hard he is to beat. The respect and trust that comes with the history we all have will be a huge strength as we take on this new challenge in Extreme H. I hope we can give them a great car so that they feel confident to drive fast."

Andreas Bakkerud holds one of rallycross’ most decorated résumés, which includes European Super1600 titles, a 2021 supercar championship, and a fierce rivalry with Timmy. This peaked in 2019 when both finished equal on points for the World RX title, but that season forged a mutual respect which now transforms into partnership.

Bakkerud has also raced in Extreme E with JBXE, and the Norwegian’s presence in the team strengthens the Hansens’ roster for its next chapter in sustainable motorsport.

Andreas Bakkerud, Team Hansen driver, said: "I don’t think anyone saw this coming - even I’m still in shock! From fighting each other for world titles over the years, and going head-to-head in one of the biggest rivalries in rallycross, to suddenly working together? That’s a big thing to say the least.

"It goes even deeper than joining Team Hansen, because Timmy [Hansen] is going to be my Team Principal. It can go both ways, but I’m also keen to learn from the team and understand them. We have taken this opportunity to fight for a title together, and I’m going to put everything into doing my job next to Catie [Munnings] while racing for the Hansens. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to saying that!"

Catie Munnings has been a fixture in Extreme E since its inception. Partnered with Timmy at Andretti United, she made history by winning the Arctic X Prix in Greenland and went on to collect a further eight podiums. More recently, the Brit has impressed in the E1 Series, taking multiple podiums across two seasons.

As the squad embarks on new challenges in Extreme H, Catie’s racing experience and passion for sustainability and equality will be crucial to the team’s success.

Catie Munnings, Team Hansen driver, said: "I’m very excited to be joining Team Hansen. They’ve been like a family to me for years and some of my best mentors in motorsport, so to now be racing for them is like a full circle moment.

"I know that every team member, from the mechanics to the spotters to the media team, is the best in the business, and I have full trust that we will be able to perform at our very best with the team around us. Working with Timmy [Hansen] as Team Principal will be new, but he knows the sport like no other and will lead us to our full potential. I’m very excited to be paired up with the crazy Andreas - I’m sure we will have a lot of fun together!"

As a proud member of the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action initiative and Hydrogen Sweden, joining the first international motorsport powered entirely by hydrogen represents a natural evolution for Hansen Motorsport.

The Swedish team became the first in rallycross to reach carbon neutral status in 2022 and continues to hold FIA 3-star Environmental Accreditation and ISO 14001 certification. The move to Extreme H further reflects a philosophy of pushing boundaries while committing to a more sustainable future.

25-09-05 Extreme E To Return for Celebratory ‘Final Lap’
Extreme E, the revolutionary electric off-road racing series, has announced it will return for one final time, in one month, on October 4 and 5th, marking the culmination of a series that has helped expand the possibilities for how motorsport can engage with environmental progress and innovation.

Since its launch in 2021, Extreme E has introduced electric racing to remote, challenging terrains, aiming to highlight the impact of climate change while championing new technologies and approaches to sustainability. Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), under the umbrella of the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, has been part of that journey from the very beginning, hosting the series’ first Desert X Prix and continuing to support its mission for five seasons.

Now, the series prepares for its Final Lap, a final outing that not only honours its roots but also sets the stage for the launch of Extreme H, the world’s first hydrogen-powered off-road racing championship. The Final Lap will be an opportunity to celebrate everything Extreme E has achieved, at the same time setting the next frontier for Extreme H, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be the hub for innovative, world-class motorsport and a leader in shaping a sustainable future.

This transition reflects Extreme E’s vision to use sport as a platform for innovation, awareness, and action. While the cars and energy sources may evolve, the commitment to purposeful racing remains unchanged.

Further details on the event schedule, teams, and drivers will be shared in the coming weeks.

25-06-06 “It’s a proper race car!” Extreme H Completes Final Test
Extreme H has completed its final testing on its new hydrogen-powered race car, the Pioneer 25, in Fontjoncouse, the south of France.

The session focused on fine-tuning performance, testing technical components, and evaluating the vehicle’s latest tyre developments, all critical enhancements designed to handle the series’ unique and demanding race environments.

Former Extreme E Champion, and E.ON Next Veloce Racing driver, Molly Taylor, became the latest driver to get behind the wheel of the Pioneer 25. Offering her insights on the vehicle’s evolution, Taylor said: “It was really cool! The car’s got a lot more potential to be pushed further. It’s instantly very confidence inspiring.

“The suspension has a lot more scope, especially in the tough conditions, as where we are testing the car it is really rough. You feel like you can lean on it a lot more in those areas and the car will take a lot more [than the Extreme E car]. It’s also a very different experience the first time you jump in. I was amazed how quickly that sitting in the middle of the car felt at home.”

On the noticeable difference of driving a hydrogen car, Molly says: “It was really interesting when they started the hydrogen up and you see all this steam coming out of the exhaust. Normally if my car at home has steam coming out, things are going really bad, but it was really cool in a way, makes you realise you are driving something that’s very different. It’s been nice to be able to show what we can do with technology and what we can do with motorsport and to be part of that future development.”

Asked for thoughts on the new Extreme H championship, Molly added: “I feel quite impatient, we just want it to happen now. It’s been so cool to see all the development and all the work that’s gone into making this project happen. It’s a pretty ambitious thing to put together and it’s been really exciting to finally be able to test the car that I’ve seen so much of and really see its potential.”

The Pioneer 25 represents the pinnacle of hydrogen-powered racing innovation. Equipped with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cells, powered by green hydrogen gas, the cars emit only water vapour, which can either be consumed or used elsewhere on site for crucial aspects such as car washing.

The vehicle’s peak 400kw (550hp) output is capable of firing the 2200 kilogram, 2.4 metre-wide race car from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and scale gradients of up to 130 per cent to help it tackle the toughest terrains with precision and speed.

Swedish driver Kevin Hansen, Molly’s team mate at E.ON Next Veloce Racing in Extreme E, returned to Fontjoncouse to get his second test of the car, saying: “It’s really nice to be back, just remembering everything from a couple of months ago, The Pioneer 25 a really good development from the Extreme E car. It’s more robust, it’s a proper race car.”

On the testing process, Kevin says: “We are making progress, trialling different things and trying to make the car the best it can be. It feels much better than the previous car. It’s in a strong shape and once we get to racing, when we get to optimise for top performance, it will be really interesting to see what more we can squeeze out of the final product.”

Summing up, Kevin says: “It feels great to be in the final stages of getting back on track. I’m looking forward to seeing all the cars lining up together and I hope that myself and whoever joins me as my team mate will be up there on top of the first podium!”

Leading the testing programme was Extreme H ‘s Technical Director, Mark Grain, who summarised the test, saying: “All opportunities to test a new vehicle are valuable and this latest test has proved especially so.

“The tyres we have been testing here this week are a big step forward in performance from our last test, and have received great driver feedback. We’ve also been performing some endurance tests with a lot of the components and fine tuning of the hydrogen fuel cell so that we are ready to go racing later this year. Now that we understand a lot more about the types of racing that we want to achieve at the World Cup, we’ve also been able to simulate a lot of those conditions and finetune the car around those formats.

On the value of driver feedback, Mark adds: “It's been fantastic having Molly and Kevin join us. With such a wealth of experience from Extreme E and the last car, along with the different types of racing they’ve been involved in, it all pulls together nicely. For them to come and experience the Extreme H car and advance that development path for us again has been really appreciated.”

The Pioneer 25 hydrogen race car is designed and manufactured by Spark Racing Technology and has undergone an intensive testing programme equivalent to more than three seasons of Extreme E racing in readiness for its debut campaign.

Each car comprises of a common package of standardised parts, the open areas for teams are the hydrogen fuel cell, which gives a crucial opportunity to test out this technology, plus the ability to style bodywork elements in order to replicate the look of everyday car models.

The Pioneer 25, the world’s first hydrogen-powered off-road race car built for the FIA Extreme H World Cup will make its competitive debut later this year, with news coming very soon on host location and dates.

25-05-22 Extreme H Tests Pioneering New Hydrogen Event Power Solution
Extreme H, the world’s first hydrogen racing championship, marked its latest major technical milestone today, with the successful first test of its groundbreaking new hydrogen power solution which has five times the power capability of the previously used Extreme E system.

The test, which took place at Siemens Energy’s UK facility in Newcastle, centred around the next-generation Hydrogen Power Unit (HPU2), developed by GeoPura, and included system integration with the series’ long-term sustainable power supplier, Power Logistics.

Andy Welch, Extreme H’s Global Hydrogen Development Manager, said: “Extreme H will be famous for its hydrogen fuel cell racing cars, but they are only half of the story as we are also trialling hydrogen technologies across the whole event site in an effort to become the first sport to run entirely on zero emission hydrogen.

“We are immensely proud to be working alongside clean power pioneers GeoPura and Power Logistics as we continue to scale our capabilities and showcase hydrogen’s potential.

“Witnessing the successful test of GeoPura’s HPU2 hydrogen fuel cell prototype today marks a major step forward, not just for our series, but for the broader live events industry. Extreme H is an important global test bed for real-world hydrogen solutions, proving what’s possible and accelerating the transition toward cleaner, more sustainable events worldwide.”

With a more compact footprint than its HPU1 predecessor, reduced weight, and significantly higher power density, the HPU2 delivers scalable, quiet, zero-emission power - up to 50 MW when deployed at scale. Each unit generates 500 kW of clean electricity, five times the prime output of HPU1. Operated continuously over 24 hours, a single HPU2 could provide enough energy to power the equivalent of 1,200 average UK homes for a day.

With these advancements reducing deployment costs, zero-emission energy systems are becoming increasingly accessible not only across motorsport but also for other energy-intensive and time-sensitive applications such as music festivals, remote broadcast centres, and construction sites.

A defining feature of the HPU2 system’s environmental performance is its exclusive use of green hydrogen, which will be supplied by the championship’s Green Hydrogen Partner, ENOWA. Green hydrogen is produced using exclusively renewable energy sources, ensuring zero emissions not only during use, but also throughout the production process. This enables Extreme H’s ambition to set a new benchmark by powering their races, with power needs including live broadcast, race control and operations, team garages, catering and more, with fully emission-free power, whilst supporting ENOWA’s mission to accelerate hydrogen’s role in the global energy transition.

By utilising the system in a live event environment, Extreme H is not only preparing for the future of zero-emission racing but also laying the groundwork for the broader industrial adoption of green hydrogen technologies.

The collaboration between GeoPura and Power Logistics, strengthened through this initiative, highlights the importance of technical partnerships in delivering real-world energy transitions that are set to transform wider industries, including live sporting and music events, remote broadcast, construction and many more. The only emission from the HPU2 system is water.

Compared to its predecessor, the HPU1, which had an integrated battery system, the HPU2 introduces a modular configuration with an external battery.

This new setup enables greater flexibility, allowing the system to operate either as a standalone generator or in a hybrid format with supplementary battery support. The battery and distribution technology is key to this adaptability, ensuring that the system can meet diverse energy demands across complex environments.

Theo Elmer, GeoPura’s Chief Technical Officer, said: “HPU2 represents a major leap forward in clean, scalable power. It’s lighter, more powerful, and more flexible than anything we’ve built before - designed specifically to deliver in high-demand, high-performance environments like Extreme H. We’re proud to be working closely with Power Logistics and Extreme H to show what’s possible with hydrogen technology. Together, we’re proving that zero-emission power can meet the demands of live motorsport and beyond and helping accelerate the wider transition away from fossil fuels.”

Extreme H will provide a valuable proving ground for both GeoPura and Power Logistics, providing performance and operational insights that will guide deployments across industries seeking to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based generators, without compromising on reliability or output.

The upgraded battery, created by Greener Power Solutions, fits Power Logistics’ specification and design recommendation and provides significantly upgraded features to further enable the use of the GeoPura fuel cell system. This includes dealing with increased fluctuating and sustained higher loads, multi-battery synchronisation and the ability to work with larger sources of renewable energy generation. This is crucial given the power plan which also involves greater quantities of solar deployment.

Craig Hardeman, Power Logistics’ Innovation and Sustainability Development Manager, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our constantly evolving relationship with Extreme H, having been involved with Extreme E from the outset.

“We’ve come a long way from the initial design and implementation of a bespoke Energy Management Solution that incorporated an electrical package built specifically to its power requirements whilst achieving its sustainability goals. By effectively gathering and analysing data and incorporating new technologies such as solar and hydrogen power we’ve been able to make energy and carbon emission savings race on race. We’re excited to be involved in the next chapter.”

Extreme H is proud to be a test bed for innovation and validate a new standard in event power for solutions that extend far beyond the racetrack, driving progress for global decarbonisation efforts through innovation, integration and action. This collaboration stands to highlight how motorsport can drive meaningful progress in sustainable energy innovation.

25-01-09 Extreme H Race Cars Ready for Action
The FIA Extreme H World Cup, the world’s first hydrogen-powered off-road motorsport, marked a major milestone today as Spark Racing Technology completed production of its fleet of ten Pioneer25 race cars.

The Pioneer 25, built to meet the FIA’s rigorous safety and performance standards, represents the pinnacle of hydrogen-powered racing innovation. Equipped with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cells, the cars emit only water vapour, highlighting the series’ unwavering commitment to sustainability. The vehicles feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering up to 400kW (550hp) of power, and are capable of tackling the toughest terrains with precision and speed.

Alejandro Agag, CEO of Extreme H, visited Spark Racing Technology HQ on the outskirts of Paris, France, to witness the production firsthand. He commented: “The production of our ten car race fleet marks a major milestone as we move closer to the launch of the FIA Extreme H World Cup. These cars are not just groundbreaking in terms of technology; they represent the future of sustainable motorsport, and we are ready to go.”

Nicolas Wertans, Chairman of Spark Racing Technology, added: “Spark Racing Technology is incredibly honoured to deliver the Pioneer 25 race cars for the FIA Extreme H World Cup. 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 is designed and manufactured by Spark Racing Technology and equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell from Symbio, and has undergone an intensive testing program equivalent to three seasons of racing in readiness for its debut campaign.

Symbio has provided a 75kW hydrogen fuel cell replacing the battery as the principal energy source. The hydrogen fuel cell powers the battery pack that is produced and supported trackside by Fortescue ZERO. Hydrogen fuel cells represent a technological revolution that is now becoming a widespread reality, with this technology already being used behind the scenes in Extreme E, where it provides the energy source to the vehicle’s batteries.

The Pioneer 25’s peak 400kw (550hp) output is capable of firing the 2200 kilogram, 2.4 metre-wide race car from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and scale gradients of up to 130 per cent.

Each Pioneer 25 raced in Extreme H comprises a common package of standardised parts from Spark Racing Technology. The open areas for teams is the hydrogen fuel cell, which gives a crucial opportunity to test out this technology, plus the ability to style bodywork elements in order to replicate the look of everyday car models.

Extreme H builds on the foundation of Extreme E, the electric off-road championship that has pushed boundaries in performance, equality, and environmental awareness. Extreme H, which will get started later in 2025, will continue this legacy by demonstrating the viability of hydrogen as a clean energy solution while delivering thrilling racing action.

With production now complete, the countdown to the FIA Extreme H World Cup is officially underway fans around the world can anticipate a groundbreaking series that combines cutting-edge technology, sustainable innovation, and high-adrenaline competition. Further details on the competition will be announced over coming months.