The Hyperion XP1 is a hydrogen fuel cell-powered hypercar from California-based tech company Hyperion. The XP1 is promising a 1,000-mile (1,609 km) range with a top speed of 221 mph (356 km/h). This hypercar will be capable of pushing 0 to 60 mph in just 2.2 seconds, thanks to its all-wheel drivetrain, not to mention its’ lighting quick recharge time of 3 to 5 minutes.
The magic behind this hypercar’s performance lies within its’ fuel source- hydrogen. Most electric vehicles use very heavy lithium-ion battery packs. Instead, the Hyperion XP1 has two large tanks of hydrogen that drive two powerful electric motors. This reduction in curb weight improves the vehicle’s handling while also dishing out more power and more range.
If the statistics of the XP1 weren’t impressive enough, perhaps the environmental benefits of hydrogen can tip the scale. Nearly 95% of all hydrogen comes from the steam reforming of natural gas, which would answer the electric vehicle cobalt problem. The best part about using hydrogen as a fuel is the byproduct being water, good for the environment right?
So far, the biggest challenge with hydrogen powered cars is a lack of refueling stations. As of 2018, only 39 hydrogen stations are available to the public in the U.S.
With the price yet to be announced, only 300 of these hypercars will be produced starting 2022. Can the Hyperion XP1 pave the path for a cleaner, greener future?
