Mark Grain, the Technical Director at Extreme E, shared the good news about the test results: "I am pleased to say that the Extreme H Pioneer 25 has passed its mandatory chassis FIA crash tests with flying colours."
Grain stressed how important this is for the sport.
"We shouldn't underestimate this. It's the first hydrogen race car that's met stringent FIA criteria. We've worked with the FIA to define these crash tests and there's been huge collaboration in order to achieve this important milestone. No other hydrogen racing cars have gone through crash tests like we have, so that's a big achievement."
The team made some big changes to make sure the car would be safe. They made the frame stronger and added special protective parts around the hydrogen tanks. They also put in energy-absorbing structures on the sides of the car.
During the tests, they kept a close eye on the hydrogen systems. Grain explained:
"The hydrogen high-pressure and low-pressure systems were also fitted during the tests. The systems were pressurised for both tests, and the pressures within them were monitored as live data. That was to ensure the systems were not damaged and lost pressure."
The results showed that the hydrogen systems stayed intact throughout the tests. Grain confirmed:
"I'm pleased to say that in each of the tests both high and low pressures were maintained and that's the indication that there was no damage to the hydrogen system."
The team's not done yet. They'll do more tests on the tanks and battery packs soon. They'll also take the car out for more track testing later this month and in October.
The plan is to start making more of these Extreme H cars in the coming weeks. Teams should get their hands on them before the end of 2024, ready for the first hydrogen-powered racing season.
What is Extreme H?
Extreme H is the new racing series that will kick off in Saudi Arabia in April 2025, with 10 rounds of racing at five locations.
Organizers say the races are "the future of sustainable motorsport."
The previous racing series was called Extreme E and featured all-electric vehicles. Now they will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
Source: extreme-e
