Extreme E’s SUVs used in the international electric off-road racing series will be powered once again by AFC Energy’s zero-emission fuel cell and pioneering hydrogen power generation technology.
The system uses hydrogen produced from water and the sun to generate electrical power, which then feeds the ODYSSEY 21.
“Working with AFC Energy has enabled Extreme E to be the world's first sporting event to use zero emission power generators,” said Alejandro Agag, chief executive and founder of Extreme E.
The decision supports Extreme E’s goal of being sustainable and creating minimal local impact on the environments in which it races.
Alejandro Agag said: “From the outset, our vision of using battery powered race cars could only be truly fulfilled if we could generate power for them in a completely sustainable way. AFC Energy has enabled us to do that, and we are delighted to be using their technology again for the 2022 season.”
Extreme E hopes that, by proving sporting events can be powered by hydrogen, it has set a new standard that will be followed by other events organisers.
Adam Bond, chief executive of AFC Energy, commented: “We are delighted to be extending our collaboration with Extreme E into 2022. The inaugural race season enabled us to demonstrate the possibilities of AFC Energy's zero-emission power generators while operating in high pressure, high-profile and extreme environments.”
Mr Bond added: “Last year the use of our fuel cell by Extreme E prevented a significant amount of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere. In 2022, at each race we expect to provide enough clean energy to power over 1,000 U.K. homes. This contract is just one in a strong pipeline of system sales and lease opportunities which will underpin future revenue growth as we seek to capitalise on our leading position to displace diesel generators within the next decade.”
The inaugural season of Extreme E culminated in Dorset with a series win for Nico Rosberg’s RXR team.