Extreme E to use AFC Energy’s zero-emission fuel

Alkaline fuel cell developer AFC Energy announced that they would continue to supply Extreme E with zero-emission fuel. 

The Extreme E is a racing series that is approved by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile). Described as an ‘epic’ off-road international racing series, the vehicles used are spec silhouette electric SUVs.

The race itself takes place in different remote areas around the world. So far, they have hosted the race in the UK’s Bovington Camp, Capo Teulada in Italy, the Neom and Sharaan Deserts in Saudi Arabia and many other locations.

On 2 February Extreme E and AFC Energy announced they would be extending their partnership in order to use AFC Energy’s zero-emission fuel cell and pioneering hydrogen power generation technology. 

The Founder and CEO of Extreme E, Alejandro Agag, commented: “Working with AFC Energy has enabled Extreme E to be the world's first sporting event to use zero emission power generators. 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.

“We are setting the standard for clean fuel provision in any situation – we have proved it can be done and hope that our example will now be followed by other sporting events.”

Recognised as an AIM-traded firm, Surrey-based AFC Energy said that their ‘L’ series hydrogen power generator was successfully used at all five races in Extreme E’s inaugural 2021 season, making Extreme E the first event organiser to use hydrogen fuel cell generators for powering their ODYSSEY 21 E-SUVs.

This new contract between the firm and event organiser will ensure that the zero-emission fuel cell system will be used again to generate power for Extreme E’s electric SUVs at each of the five X Prix for ‘season 2’. 

For the first time ever, Extreme E will be hosting the races in areas across South America. Their ODYSSEY 21s will once again operate in harsh terrain using their new sustainable fuel systems with their only by-product being water. 

CEO of AFC Energy, Adam Bond, said: “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.  This world first showed what can already be achieved in moving the world to zero-emission technologies.

“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.”

Extreme E’s season 2, named ‘The Race For the Planet’ will start with the Desert X Prix in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, from 19-20 February. All five of this season’s X Prix will be televised on Spanish broadcaster RTVE.