Mark Grain on developing the Pioneer 25 - a world-first for motorsport
The development of the Pioneer 25 has been led by Mark Grain, the championship’s Technical Director, ensuring the world’s first hydrogen racing series has an all-new car dedicated for its hydrogen-powered future.
In an interview following the official unveiling, Grain explains how the all-new Pioneer 25 marks a major shift for the series ahead of Extreme H debuting in 2025.
The launch of the Pioneer 25 for Extreme H marks a significant evolution in our series, representing the pinnacle of hydrogen fuel cell technology in motorsport. As Technical Director at Extreme H, I am thrilled to showcase this all-new car, manufactured by Spark Racing Technology and designed specifically to leverage Symbio's cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology, and to highlight how this vehicle will set new standards for racing performance and sustainability.
Drawing from over three years of data from Extreme E, the Pioneer 25 is a testament to our commitment to innovation. Our partners, such as Spark Racing Technology, Symbio, Fortescue ZERO and FOX Suspension have been instrumental in this journey.
The Pioneer 25 is an all-new chassis, purpose-designed to introduce hydrogen fuel cells to racing. Extreme E has already proven that electric vehicles can endure the harshest climatic and racing conditions, competing aggressively on challenging terrains. With Extreme H, we aim to demonstrate the same robustness and versatility for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. We want the world to see that the Pioneer 25 can perform under intense racing conditions, handle stress, and still deliver exceptional performance.
Our goals for Extreme H are ambitious. We have set higher benchmarks for overall performance including speed and acceleration. The Pioneer 25’s peak output of 400kW (550bhp) ensures it can accelerate from 0-100 kph in just 4.5 seconds and tackle gradients of up to 130 per cent. This impressive performance coupled to much improved ride, grip and handling comfortably offset any increase in mass.
Symbio's hydrogen fuel cell powers the Pioneer 25. This is a fuel cell is that has been designed and engineered specifically to meet the rigorous demands of motor racing. It provides a 75 kW charging the battery, which serves as the primary energy source. The battery pack, produced and supported trackside by Fortescue ZERO, ensures consistent and reliable performance.
The Pioneer 25 has undergone an intensive testing programme to prepare for its debut. Each car in Extreme H features a standardised package of parts from Spark Racing Technology, while allowing teams the flexibility to customise areas such as the front and rear bodywork sections and lights. This customisation enables teams to replicate the look of everyday car models, adding a layer of familiarity and relatability to the futuristic design, and we look forward to seeing this develop in upcoming seasons.
The car's low centre of gravity, combined with modified and improved suspension geometry, enhance its ride and handling. These advancements ensure that the Pioneer 25 not only meets but exceeds the performance standards set by the ODYSSEY 21, delivering a powerful and exhilarating racing experience.
Extreme H represents the first-ever testbed of hydrogen technology in motorsport, not just in our racing cars, but also in transportation, infrastructure, refueling processes, and safety regulations. This groundbreaking initiative positions us as pioneers in the field, showcasing the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable and powerful energy source.
The Pioneer 25 is more than just a racing car; it is a symbol of our commitment to advancing hydrogen technology and sustainability in motorsport. We are excited to debut this revolutionary vehicle and to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the race towards a greener future.
We are extremely excited to unveil it at the Hydro X Prix later this month, to showcase the incredible performance of the Pioneer 25 and groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell technology.
