Excessive H has formally launched the hydrogen-powered automobile that varieties the spine of the brand new sequence, which can function a 10-round calendar in its inaugural season subsequent 12 months.
Championship organisers took the covers of its Pioneer 25 hydrogen-powered off-road spec automobile aboard the sequence’ St. Helena vessel at London’s Tower Bridge on Thursday afternoon.
Excessive H is about to change into the primary hydrogen-powered off-road racing world championship after securing an settlement with the FIA, and will take over from Alejandro Agag’s all-electric Extreme E series, which is contesting its ultimate season this 12 months.
Spark Racing Expertise, which designed Excessive E’s Odyssey 21 automobile, is behind the Pioneer 21, which might produce 550 horsepower at its peak energy output.
The automobile is supplied with a hydrogen gas cell from Symbio, the championship’s official gas cell supplier. The 75kW hydrogen gas cell replaces the battery because the principal vitality supply.
The automobile weighs in at 2200 kilograms, is 2.4 metres broad, can obtain 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and is ready to scale gradients of as much as 130%.
Every Pioneer 25 raced in Excessive H includes a standard package deal of standardised elements from Spark Racing Expertise. Groups can nevertheless redesign entrance and rear bodywork and lights to duplicate the look of on a regular basis automobile fashions.
“We’re extremely proud to introduce the world to the primary hydrogen racing automobile and the Excessive H sequence,” stated Excessive H CEO Agag.
“This launch isn’t just a couple of new automobile; it’s about pioneering the way forward for sustainable motorsport.
Excessive H automobile unveil
Picture by: Matt Ben Stone
“Hydrogen gas cells supply a outstanding alternative to scale back our carbon footprint and promote clear vitality options, and we’re proud to steer this cost with Excessive H.
“The evolution to Excessive H is a momentous second for our championship. It’s necessary for each motorsport sequence to have a singular promoting level and hydrogen could be very vital.
“We’re undoubtedly hydrogen pioneers, the primary on this house, and we’re excited to showcase the potential of a component that, in giant elements, stays a massively untapped useful resource.”
The Pioneer 25 has been described as a “vital improve” on the Odyssey 21 with the automobile at present present process a rigorous testing and improvement programme.
It is because of make its first public look at Excessive E’s Hydro X-Prix in Scotland subsequent month (13-14 July), forward of an intensive take a look at on the Island X-Prix in Sardinia in September.
“We’ve learnt quite a bit from the Odyssey 21, which we’ve carried forwards, however it’s an all-new chassis and a purpose-built racing automobile for the hydrogen gas cell,” stated Excessive E technical director Mark Grain.
“We needed the racing to be extra intense and we needed the race vehicles to be quicker.
“The Pioneer 25 is a big improve on the Odyssey 21. General efficiency of the automobile has taken an enormous step ahead.”
It was confirmed on the launch that the championship will contest 10 rounds subsequent 12 months, starting in April. The sequence will open in Saudi Arabia earlier than the European leg of the marketing campaign begins within the UK. Germany and Italy are set to host rounds with the finale to happen within the USA.
Calendar dates might be confirmed later this 12 months together with affirmation of the groups and drivers that can take part.