Extreme E’s successor, set to kick off in 2025, will be officially known as the FIA Extreme H World Cup. Series and FIA leadership confirmed the new identity on Wednesday after signing a letter of intent.

“It is a very proud moment for us all as Extreme H becomes the FIA Extreme H World Cup,” said series CEO Alejandro Agag. “This recognition from motorsport’s governing body is an important stamp of approval and a major step forward in showcasing hydrogen’s potential while aligning with the highest global standards in motorsport.”

Plans for a hydrogen-based series came about as early as the 2022 Extreme E preseason, ahead of its second campaign. Extreme H’s debut was originally set for 2024 before being pushed back a year to refine development.

By September 2023, Agag and the FIA agreed Extreme H would be eligible for world championship status if it met various qualifications. Article 2.4.3 of the FIA International Sporting Code outlines these, which a series must fulfill in order to be called a “World Cup” or “World Championship”; for example, it must race on at least three different continents in a given season. Extreme E, on the other hand, is considered an FIA International Series.

The Pioneer 25, which will serve as Extreme H’s spec car, was unveiled in June. Built by Spark Racing Technology like XE’s Odyssey 21, the hydrogen car is shorter and narrower but taller and heavier. It competed its first test last December before series development driver Hedda Hosås drove it on the Hydro X Prix course in Scotland over the summer.

“The FIA is committed to supporting initiatives that set new standards for sustainability and equality,” said FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “We look forward to the positive impact the FIA Extreme H World Cup will have across motorsport, the automotive industry, and beyond, accelerating the transition to clean energy and fostering an inclusive racing culture.

“The FIA is at the forefront of advancing sustainable technologies. Motorsport must evolve and adapt to remain sustainable, and the adoption of hydrogen fuels is a key part of our future.”

Extreme E canceled the final three rounds of its 2024 season in September. Although XE had hopes of finding new dates, the focus now is on preparing for the inaugural XH slate in 2025. Even if XE intended to press on with a season finale, it would be difficult to pull off before the end of 2024 with full-time drivers like McLaren’s Mattias Ekström having already left their teams.

XH has not revealed its 2025 calendar.

Featured image credit: Mark Roe / Red Bull Content Pool