The development of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the automotive industry has been a long and arduous journey, with many promising advancements never quite making it to mainstream production. However, there is hope on the horizon with the introduction of the FIA Extreme H World Cup – a new off-road motorsport championship set to launch later this year. This exciting event aims to showcase the capabilities of hydrogen fuel cell technology in a high-performance racing setting.
The Pioneer 25 cars that will compete in the Extreme H World Cup are powered by hydrogen fuel cells that consume sustainably produced hydrogen. In addition, the electricity used to power on-site activities at the events will be generated using stationary fuel cells. These innovative solutions highlight the versatility and potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology in various applications.
The Pioneer 25 cars are based on the Extreme E electric off-road racers, utilizing a similar electric drivetrain but with the addition of a 75kW hydrogen fuel cell system. This fuel cell stack is fueled by compressed hydrogen gas stored in Toyota Mirai tanks. To ensure optimal performance, a 36kWh battery is incorporated into the system to provide a steady stream of power to the two 268bhp motors driving the front and rear axles.
Despite its hefty weight of 2200kg, the Pioneer 25 boasts impressive performance figures, with a top speed of 124mph and a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds. The fuel cell system, supplied by Symbio, can be customized by teams to accommodate their preferences. The batteries, provided by Fortescue WAE, have a slightly smaller capacity than those used in Extreme E, as the fuel cell is the primary power source in the Pioneer 25.
Manufactured by Spark Racing Technology, each Pioneer 25 car features a tubular spaceframe chassis with front impact structures. The chassis has been reinforced to withstand the rigors of off-road racing, with additional crash structures over the hydrogen tanks and energy-absorbing composite structures on the sides of the car. The mandatory FIA chassis crash tests were successfully passed, ensuring the safety and durability of the Pioneer 25.
With the introduction of the FIA Extreme H World Cup and the innovative technology showcased in the Pioneer 25 cars, hydrogen fuel cell technology is poised to make a significant impact in the automotive industry. The seamless integration of sustainability, performance, and safety in these cutting-edge vehicles paves the way for a greener and more efficient future in motorsport and beyond.
