As we wave goodbye to electric dreams, the future of mobility lies not in the hands of lithium-ion batteries, but in hydrogen. Thanks to Extreme H, a hydrogen-powered racing series is set to launch this year in 2025. Extreme H has partnered with Formula 1 and the FIA to create a Hydrogen Technical Working Group. The core purpose behind this Hydrogen Technical Working Group is to ensure the option whereby water-fueled racers set F1 ablaze. In the process, Extreme H will show that hydrogen fuel cells can establish their place in the racing world and, by doing so, Extreme H will provide a new meaning to sustainable racing. All electric dreams may be disappearing as we pave the way for hydrogen to enter the racetrack.
Ready, set, go with hydrogen fuel cells
While Extreme E focused on launching the electric off-road racing series, Extreme H is all in favor of launching the world’s first hydrogen-fueled motorsport contender. Combining clean-energy technology with the pure thrill of racing, this hydrogen-powered chassis, developed in collaboration with Spark, is at the point of undergoing final prototype testing.
Moving in an opposite direction to battery charging, Extreme H vehicles move towards hydrogen fuel cells that are capable of power generation. During an electrochemical reaction, the stored hydrogen gas tends to produce hydrogen that gets contained in a 325-kW battery pack. The twin electric motor is then capable of delivering more or less 400kW of raw output, which means a high-speed vehicle will be seen on the racetrack.
The future racing world may well be served by hydrogen engines
In testing the prototype what is proven is that hydrogen fuel cells may be the best cleaner alternative on the racetrack. To prove this, however, hydrogen systems will be tested under less-than-attractive conditions. Enduring desert heat and arctic cold, these prototypes will be tested under all sorts of extreme conditions.
Throughout the testing process, Extreme H wishes to display that hydrogen surely is in a league of its own able to outdo even battery-electric technology. The hydrogen fuel engine can do this without the need to encounter refueling stress. With the latest $2M hydrogen beast exceeding 220 MPH, it’s clear that hydrogen-powered vehicles can break the mile barrier and perform beyond expectations possibly even on the Formula racetrack.
The hydrogen alternative is demanding its place on the Formula 1 racetrack
With Formula 1 focusing on the internal combustion engine for far too long and also contemplating the efficiency of hybrid alternatives, it makes sense for Formula 1 to consider the hydrogen fuel alternative too. Expanding its view beyond electric-hybrid configurations and biofuels on the racetrack, Formula 1 is looking at fuel solutions that are sustainable yet geared for performance.
The decision to include Formula 1’s Chief Technical Officer, Pat Symonds, in this Hydrogen Working Group signifies the shift in Formula 1’s thinking towards including such sustainable fuels on the racetrack that will lead to zero emissions, but at the same time showcase stellar performance during the race. Symonds, too, believed that climate change is on everyone’s mind, and it is clear that Formula 1 resonates with motives to decarbonize. That too on the Formula 1 track as well. With Formula 1 having front-row seats all thanks to Extreme H to the real-world testing, Formula 1’s mission towards a better emissions future is clear.
Time will tell whether this Extreme H prototype will prove to be fit for the racetrack and beyond should all the extreme testing go well. Nevertheless, Italian Formula 1 contenders may be wondering what caused them to move in an entirely different lane and to stop dreaming about hydrogen. As we wave goodbye to Ferrari’s hydrogen car, the collaboration between Formula 1 and Extreme H could surely change everything yet again.
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