A new type of off-road racing began in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, as the Extreme H series—featuring the world’s first hydrogen-powered race cars—made its debut in Qiddiya.

Developed as a next step from the electric Extreme E series, the new Pioneer 25 vehicles are powered by hydrogen fuel cells that emit only water vapor.

Designed for tough terrain and high performance, the cars carry hydrogen tanks that fuel a cell that converts hydrogen into electricity, which then powers the car’s battery and dual electric motors.

Drivers adjusting to the new machines note that while the hydrogen system charges the battery during operation, the cars are significantly heavier—about 600 kilograms more than the previous electric models. That shift demands a change in technique.

As hydrogen vehicles tear through the rocky terrain of Qiddiya, Extreme H is setting a high-speed example of how motorsport can innovate in the age of climate-conscious engineering—offering a glimpse into what the future of racing might look like.

AP video by Baraa Anwer