The Hyperion XP-1 Has Landed! First Look At The Futuristic Hydrogen-Powered Electric Supercar

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Last month, California-based Hyperion teased a new hydrogen-powered electric supercar, and today, the XP-1 has landed. The XP-1 sports looks like a starfighter straight out of a science fiction novel, with a low-slung posture reminiscent of a Bugatti Veyron.

Hyperion XP-1
The starship has landed. Introducing the Hyperion XP-1. Image courtesy: Hyperion.

The Hyperion XP-1 boasts an insane 1,000+ mile range per tank of hydrogen, shattering any potential issues with electric vehicle range once and for all. The on-board proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell converts stored hydrogen to electricity, propelling this land-bound starship from zero to sixty in just 2.2 seconds on the way up to its top speed of 221 miles per hour.

“The XP-1 was partially designed to function as an educational tool for the masses. Aerospace engineers have long understood the advantages of hydrogen as the most abundant, lightest element in the universe and now, with this vehicle, consumers will experience its extraordinary value proposition,” said Angelo Kafantaris, Hyperion CEO and founding member. “This is only the beginning of what can be achieved with hydrogen as an energy storage medium. The potential of this fuel is limitless and will revolutionize the energy sector.”

Hyperion XP-1
Image courtesy: Hyperion.

Every other hydrogen fuel cell vehicle makes use of lithium-ion batteries as buffers for power, but the XP-1 ditches batteries completely. The result is a far lighter vehicle which, at a curb weight just under 2,275 pound, combines all the benefits of the immense instant torque of permanent magnet electric motors, without having to haul around the extra mass of a massive traction battery.

The XP-1 clearly isn’t designed for trips to the grocery store, the commute to work, or the family road trip to see grandma, instead aspiring to form the tip of the spear pushing and probing what is truly possible with hydrogen fuel cell technologies. The engineers and PhDs behind Hyperion and the XP-1 see zero emission hydrogen transportation technology as an improvement over battery electric vehicles due to the elimination of the need to mine the earth for the components in batteries and the lighter weight of a dedicated hydrogen fuel cell system.

Hyperion XP-1
Image courtesy: Hyperion.

The result is an insanely light all-wheel drive supercar that banks on ultra-capacitors to store power for the short bursts of power it puts down to the ground. The aerodynamics of the XP-1 were designed to keep the vehicle pinned to the ground at high speed, with special solar wings sprouting out the sides of the vehicle that serve multiple purposes. As the vehicle whips around corners, the wings divert airflow around the vehicle to improve its cornering capability. They also serve as functional solar panels with the ability to articulate to follow the sun.

The XP-1 is slated for a limited production run of 300 vehicles in the United States starting in 2022. For more information about Hyperion or its XP-1 prototype, please visit https://www.hyperion.inc/.

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Kyle Field

I'm a tech geek passionately in search of actionable ways to reduce the negative impact my life has on the planet, save money and reduce stress. Live intentionally, make conscious decisions, love more, act responsibly, play. The more you know, the less you need. As an activist investor, Kyle owns long term holdings in Tesla, Lightning eMotors, Arcimoto, and SolarEdge.

Kyle Field has 1654 posts and counting. See all posts by Kyle Field