Motorsport governing body the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and London-based company Extreme H are planning the world’s first hydrogen-powered off-road racing championship.

The parties inked a non-binding heads of terms to continue to collaborate on the framework of the competition, set to be known as the FIA Extreme H World Cup. The racing series will use cutting-edge fuel cell technology to demonstrate the viability and potential of hydrogen as a zero-emission energy source.

“This event will set a new benchmark for the automotive industry and racing sector, underlining motorsport’s vital role as a testbed for clean energy solutions,” the parties say in a joint statement. “The FIA is confident that Extreme H will inspire further investment in hydrogen structure, critical for a sustainable, low-carbon future.”

Further details on the plan are promised in early 2025. For now, the parties are noting the event is also committed to driving gender parity in motorsport, “with all teams featuring an equal number of male and female drivers.”

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlights the governing body is committed to supporting initiatives that set new standards for both sustainability and equality. “We look forward to the positive impact the FIA Extreme H World Cup will have across motorsport, the automotive industry, and beyond, accelerating the transition to clean energy and fostering an inclusive racing culture,” he adds.

Extreme H’s Pioneer 25 hydrogen fuel cell racing car, backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign fund PIF, has a top speed of 200 km/hour. It features a hydrogen tank capacity of 2 kg at 700 bar, and a 75-kilowatt battery pack produced by Fortescue Zero.  

The vehicle was designed in partnership with Spark Racing Technology, Symbio, Fortescue Zero and FOX Suspension. A prototype has undergone an intensive, three-phase testing ahead of its debut next year, Kallanish learns.

The FIA recognition is set to put Extreme H’s championship in the same bracket as Formula One and Formula E, with the latter using only electric cars.

Extreme H is a sister company, also described as “an evolution” of the electric off-road race series Extreme E.