Hyperion XP-1: The First Hydrogen powered super car

The Hyperion XP-1 developed by California based Hyperion Motors is the world’s first Hydrogen powered supercar.

Hyperion XP-1 specifications

• Class – Supercar
• Body style – 2-door coupe
• Layout – 4-wheel drive
• Door – V-wing
• Engine – 4 electric motors
• Transmission – 3-speed automatic
• Range – 1600 km (1,016 miles)
• Top Speed – 354 kmph (221 mph)
• 0 to 100 kmph (60 mph) – 2.2 seconds
• Curb Weight – 1032 kg (2,275 lbs)

Hyperion XP-1 has been unveiled in the form of a first prototype. The hydrogen fuel cell engine generates the electrical power that transmits traction to all four wheels, with power being managed by a three-speed transmission. With regard to specifications, the Hyperion XP-1 is able to go from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 2.2 seconds, has a maximum speed of 221 mph (356km/h) and, just as important, has autonomy for 1,016 miles (1,635km) between refueling, which takes only five minutes.

(The XP-1’s V-Wing doors inspired by the “Winged Victory of Somothrace.”)

The designers worked closely with the engineers to achieve one goal: the car should be as light as possible. The Hyperion XP-1 has a curb weight of 1,240 kilograms and uses carbon-titanium monocoque chassis with titanium-reinforced composting bodywork. To keep the weight down, the hydrogen tanks are made of carbon fiber.

The XP-1’s bodywork has a sleek, minimalist design, with V-Wing doors inspired by the “Winged Victory of Somothrace.” The air blades mounted to the side not only provide active aerodynamic structures to help cornering at high-speed, but they also include solar panels capable of changing positions to follow the trajectory of the sun.

The inside offers, among other things, a 98-inch curved display that can be controlled through gesture commands, without any buttons on the center console. When braking, ceramic discs measuring 457 millimeters in front and 432 millimeters behind take care of the job.

Environmental benefits

There’s the environmental benefit of hydrogen itself. Currently, 95% of all hydrogen is sourced from steam reforming of natural gas, meaning it would solve the EV cobalt problem. What’s more, since the byproduct of using hydrogen as a fuel is only water, it is incredibly environmentally friendly.

(It also includes solar panels that apparently change their position to track the sun.)

Hyperion is yet to name a price for the XP-1, one can bet its going to be expensive. Only 300 of the hypercars will ever be made with production starting in 2022, and thus bringing on the hydro revolution.