In the world of motorsport, innovation and sustainability are becoming increasingly important. As car enthusiasts, we not only crave high-speed thrills but also want to see a cleaner and greener future for our beloved sport. That’s where Extreme E comes in, a revolutionary off-road racing series that is set to change the face of motorsport as we know it.
Though racing isn’t considered a primary emitter of carbon emissions on a large scale, it’s recognized for its use of internal combustion engines in many major series worldwide. Alejandro Agag, the creator of Formula E and Extreme E, has been committed to shifting this narrative. His focus has been on enhancing Formula E and Extreme E by leveraging better battery and charging technologies. Yet, there’s more than one way to create an eco-friendly racing series. Teaming up with the FIA, Agag has recently unveiled his latest endeavor: Extreme H. This off-road racing series utilizes hydrogen fuel cells, marking a significant step towards a greener racing future.
While hydrogen holds promise for powering vehicles, there are some concerns that need addressing. One major concern is the safety of hydrogen tanks in case of a crash. However, much of this issue has already been tackled in vehicles like the Odyssey 21 with its lithium-ion battery pack. Road car technology also offers solutions for safeguarding against tank ruptures and potential fire hazards associated with hydrogen. These safety measures can be further adapted for Extreme H, ensuring that the SUVs in this off-road series won’t pose a significant risk in close-contact racing.
The primary challenge lies in how hydrogen is currently produced. The most common methods involve obtaining hydrogen from gasoline and natural gas production, which isn’t entirely eco-friendly due to its byproduct nature. Alternatively, electrolysis can create hydrogen, but it demands a considerable amount of power, making it less sustainable for widespread use in fuel cells for vehicles. Toyota’s experiment with hydrogen-powered internal combustion racecars in Japan also highlights this issue.
Extreme E hasn’t disclosed its hydrogen sourcing plans for Extreme H. However, their partner AFC Energy employs solar-powered electrolysis to extract hydrogen from water for its fuel cell generators. Given Extreme E’s commitment to green, decarbonized racing, electrolysis seems to be the most viable approach. Although ongoing research aims to discover alternative hydrogen production methods, we’ll have to wait to see which ones reach a production-ready stage.
Extreme E is not your typical racing series. It combines the thrill of off-road racing with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation and social responsibility. The series features electric SUVs that are not only fast and powerful but also eco-friendly, running on zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells.
If you’re not fully acquainted with Extreme E, that’s understandable. It doesn’t receive as much attention as Formula E, let alone Formula 1 or NASCAR in the US. This series is geared towards off-road racing with SUV-style vehicles, all powered by battery-electric systems. For the first time, the series is heading to the US with an X Prix, their global event, scheduled for late November in Phoenix.
Formula E and Extreme E have shown that electric racing is feasible, but relying solely on battery-electric vehicles poses challenges beyond charging and battery limitations. A possible solution for maintaining an eco-friendly electric series involves adopting hydrogen fuel cells, akin to those in vehicles like the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Xcient fuel cell commercial vehicles. That’s why Extreme H, Formula One, and the FIA formed the Hydrogen Working Group. Their goal is to advance hydrogen technology within the realm of motorsports.
The concept behind Extreme E is to showcase the capabilities of electric vehicles and promote sustainable racing practices. The series takes place in some of the most remote and environmentally sensitive locations around the world, including the Arctic, the Amazon rainforest, and the deserts of Saudi Arabia.
One of the key features of Extreme E is its partnership with the scientific community. The series works closely with leading scientists and researchers to collect data on climate change, biodiversity, and other environmental factors in the race locations. This data is then used to raise awareness and support scientific research on the impact of climate change.
Extreme E also has a strong focus on gender equality. Each team in the series consists of a male and a female driver, promoting equal opportunities for both genders in motorsport. This unique approach not only challenges the traditional norms of racing but also encourages diversity and inclusivity within the sport.
The series also aims to leave a positive legacy in the communities it visits. Extreme E partners with local organizations to implement sustainable development projects in the race locations. These projects focus on areas such as renewable energy, clean water, and education, leaving a lasting impact long after the races are over.
Extreme E has already gained significant attention and support from both fans and manufacturers. The inaugural season, which started in 2021, featured teams from renowned car manufacturers such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford. This level of involvement from major automotive players demonstrates the growing interest in sustainable racing and the potential for electric vehicles in motorsport.
The challenges faced by hydrogen fuel cells echo the early struggles of electric vehicles: the lack of a robust fueling infrastructure. Presently, only southern California boasts a semblance of a hydrogen refueling network, leading only a handful of car manufacturers, primarily Honda and Toyota, to produce such vehicles for public use. Yet, the solution parallels that of EVs: generate public interest in the technology to drive its widespread adoption and, subsequently, prompt the development of necessary infrastructure.
Projects like Extreme H hold the potential to catalyze this shift. By showcasing the versatility and practicality of hydrogen fuel cells, especially in areas where accessing electric power or gasoline is arduous, it can demonstrate that this technology stands as a compelling alternative to solely battery-powered vehicles.
Not only does Extreme E offer a unique racing experience, but it also serves as a platform for technological advancements. The series encourages teams to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, leading to innovations that can be applied to road cars in the future. This crossover between motorsport and road car development is crucial in driving the adoption of electric vehicles on a larger scale.
As motorsport enthusiasts, we should embrace the concept of Extreme E and support its mission to create a more sustainable future for racing. It offers a thrilling racing experience while promoting environmental conservation, gender equality, and community development. By supporting Extreme E, we can be part of the movement towards a cleaner and greener motorsport industry.
So, the next time you hear about Extreme E, remember that it’s not just about the speed and excitement of off-road racing. It’s about pushing the boundaries of technology, protecting our planet, and making a positive impact in the world. Extreme E truly represents the future of motorsport.
