Hyperion XP-1 Hydrogen Supercar Could Be A Valid Alternative To Fossil Fuelled Vehicles

After a host of teasers, Californian startup Hyperion recently took the wraps off the XP-1 hydrogen hypercar. The supercar takes inspiration from the Bugatti Veyron in terms of design and adds in futuristic bits. But the main talking point is its powertrain that swaps batteries for a hydrogen fuel cell stack. And if the claimed figures are anything to go by, the XP-1 could be a serious alternative to battery electric vehicles. 

The XP-1’s hydrogen fuel-cell supercapacitor distributes power to all four wheels via a 3-speed transmission. While Hyperion is yet to reveal power figures, it will go from 0-96kmph in just 2.2 seconds and top out at speeds over 354kmph. The best part is it doesn’t compromise on efficiency with a claimed range of over a whopping 1,000 miles (1,609km) at street level speeds on a single top-up of hydrogen fuel, and it only takes around five minutes for a full recharge. 

The carmaker has also shared some tidbits on why it chose to use hydrogen fuel-cell supercapacitors for the XP-1. While they don’t store as much energy as a battery, they’re smaller and more efficient. They also claim that the XP-1’s hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain isn't temperature affected, unlike some electric vehicles. This means performance should remain consistent in both cold and hot conditions. 

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There is one drawback to hydrogen power at the moment, and that is the lack of refuelling infrastructure. Hyperion is working on a solution by planning fuel-cell charging stations around the US. It will be a while before we see it on the road as production will commence in 2022 and it will be a rare gem with only 300 units. Can the XP-1 act as a catalyst for hydrogen-powered vehicles to go mainstream? Let us know what you think in the comments below.