Californian start-up company HYPERION have mercilessly come out of the gates with their exotic XP-1, a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered supercar that can outgun Ferraris while emitting only water vapour…
2021 Hyperion XP-1
Engine: Hydrogen electric
Power: 1120+ kW
Top Speed: 356 km/h
0-100km/h: 2.2 secs
The Hyperion XP-1 is technically an electric hypercar, but uses hydrogen to generate electricity from its fuel cells. The two-seater does away with batteries in favour of a lighter, advanced supercapacitor power storage — not to be confused with flux capacitors.
The all-wheel-drive powertrain manages a Bugatti Chiron- rivalling pace of 100 km/h in under 2.2 seconds. With the accelerator floored, the XP-1’s proton exchange membrane fuel cell and three-speed gearbox can get it to ballistic a 356km/h.
Thanks to supercapacitor tech instead of large lithium-ion batteries, the XP-1 weighs in at just 1032kg, making it more agile and responsive to drive, without any of the overheating worries that battery-powered vehicles can suffer. Hydrogen fuel cells have long provided power for space missions, thanks to their lightweight nature; meaning this machine comes with NASA tech, resulting in atomic bomb levels of energy, and driving range of 1600 km. The XP-1 will also feature killer aerodynamics that incorporates solar panels for major downforce. When not chasing lap times, those air bending wings will follow the position of the sun to maximise driving range.
Swollen fenders emphasise the massive wheels, the turbo exhaust tips and body side trim add much wanted flair — but the upswinging doors are easily the most head turning exterior feature. The interior gets its hype on, too, with a gigantic 98-inch interface screen, and a dimmable 134-inch glass canopy adding the wow.
The company hopes this machine will trend on behalf of all hydrogen-based alternative energy vehicles in future. For now, Hyperion will supply hydrogen refuelling stations to boost the infrastructure needed. Just 300 are down for production by 2022, at a sell-everything-you-own-to-buy-one price tag. ■
By Bill Varetimidis
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