In the world of alternative engine solutions, hydrogen has emerged as a rising star as a fuel source. While the passenger vehicle industry has set its sights on the potential of the electric engine, the hydrogen engine is emerging not only as a complement but is also looking to be more like a dominant presence in the motorsport world. Recently, a new hydrogen-powered race car completed its testing and is set to make its debut in the FIA race later this year.
Passenger vehicles go electric, but hydrogen is on the rise
The transportation industry, in particular, has been under pressure to come up with more sustainable solutions and alternative engine concepts that can support an environmentally conscious world. As an answer to this, the automobile industry has largely focused its efforts on electrical engine technology, with hybrid electrical engines dominating sales when it comes to alternative engine solutions.
While many see the future of the automobile world as being electrified, other engine developers and innovators are looking at other fuel sources, and this includes hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel-cell technology has been pioneered and advanced by major automobile manufacturers such as Toyota and Hyundai, and while not as popular as electric engines, it may start to play a much larger role in the world of motorsport.
First hydrogen-powered vehicle to enter motorsport?
Recently, Extreme H has completed the final rounds of testing for its all-new hydrogen-powered vehicle. Dubbed the Pioneer 25, the vehicle is reportedly set to be able to handle the demanding race environment of Extreme H, the first FIA league to showcase the most advanced and futuristic hydrogen-powered technology in motorsport.
Following the cancellation of Extreme E, an FIA motorsport event which showcased electrical engine technology racing in off-road terrain, Extreme H is set to follow in the footsteps laid by Extreme E and continue to be a platform that highlights the potential of alternative engine solutions in motorsport.
“The suspension has a lot more scope, especially in the tough conditions, as where we are testing the car it is really rough. You feel like you can lean on it a lot more in those areas and the car will take a lot more [than the Extreme E car]. It’s also a very different experience the first time you jump in. I was amazed how quickly that sitting in the middle of the car felt at home,” says former Extreme E champion Molly Taylor to Fuel Cell Works.
Hydrogen technology is showing exponentially increasing potential, with the addition of prototypes across different motorsport leagues and competitions. The Pioneer 23 showcases a peak of 550hp and can go from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds as well as scale gradients of up to 130% across tough off-road terrains, with the FIA Extreme H World Cup.
Changes from 2026 for motorsport
Next year is set to become a year where sustainability becomes a core focus for motorsport. Not only are additions like Extreme H showcasing a world of new competitive leagues where alternative engine solutions are the core focus, but current championships are also moving towards more sustainable practice. Perhaps the most famous name is motorsport, Formula 1, is set to embrace increased environmentally friendly practices and concepts.
With new regulations and policies, the 2026 Formula 1 grid will look very different. With lighter and increased aerodynamic cars, next year’s season will be the start of Formula 1 embracing new synthetic fuels, which is part of their broader initiative to be carbon-neutral by 2030. With Formula 1’s advocacy for greener practices coupled with their influential voice and standing in the world of motorsport, we may see more alternative engine practices entering motorsport at a faster rate from next year.
