The Pioneer 25the car designed exclusively for racing Extreme Hhas passed the crash tests of FIAmarking a historic moment in the world of hydrogen racing. We are not just talking about a car, but a symbol: the future of sustainable racing, where speed meets green innovation. Powered by hydrogen, the Pioneer 25 achieves i 200 km/h and represents a step forward towards a motorsport that can be as adrenaline-filled as it is respectful of the environment.
For those who are not familiar with the world of racing, passing the FIA crash tests is a bit like getting the pass to enter the Olympus of motorsport. The Pioneer 25 it’s there first hydrogen racing car to reach this goal, an unexpected success given that hydrogen is known to be a highly explosive fuel in certain mixtures. But here’s the twist: thanks to its ability to disperse rapidly upwards – at a speed of 20 meters per second, as the US Department of Energy points out – it is less dangerous than more “traditional” fuels such as gas.
The crash tests involved side impact and rollover tests, which are the challenges that every racing car must face in order to hit the track. Now, having passed these tests, the Pioneer 25 is ready for road testing, with an eye on the inaugural season of Extreme H scheduled for 2025.
A zero emissions revolution
If Extreme H sounds new to your ears, think of it as the greener version of the already innovative one Extreme E. Here, however, the cars go beyond electric: they are powered exclusively by hydrogen. And the Pioneer 25 nothing is missing. We are talking about advanced fuel cell technology Symbiowith high pressure tanks that can contain 2 kg of hydrogen at 700 bar. The result? 550 HP (400 kW) of pure power, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and performance on difficult terrain that doesn’t make you regret petrol cars.
Second Mark Graintechnical director of Extreme H, the car has been built to withstand anything, with a robust body and composite materials that protect the hydrogen tanks, so as to absorb any side impacts.
In the next event of Hydro X-Prix in July, further tests will be conducted on the tanks and batteries, with the aim of ensuring that everything is ready for the first official race of 2025. Alejandro Agagthe founder of the series, has no doubts: “The races will start on January 1, 2025,” he declared with the confidence of someone who knows he is on the threshold of a new racing era.
