The American brand’s hydrogen fuel cell supercar can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 2.2 seconds and run 1,600 km per battery charge.

California-based startup Hyperion has unveiled its first product: a supercar called the XP-1. It is the result of nearly 10 years of research, testing, and development and is expected to change the perception of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

The highlight of the Hyperion XP-1 supercar is its ability to travel up to 1,600 km on a single battery charge, double the travel distance of the Lucid Air luxury electric sedan that was recently launched, and completely surpasses other electric supercars such as the Lotus Evija, Rimac C_Two or Pininfarina Battista, which can only travel a few hundred km per battery charge.

The Hyperion XP-1 stores energy in hydrogen fuel cell systems instead of heavy, space-consuming lithium batteries. The hydrogen in the batteries combines with oxygen from the air in a process that produces water, the car’s only exhaust, and an electric current to power the vehicle. Even when the battery is depleted, the Hyperion XP-1 can be fully recharged in five minutes thanks to advanced hydrogen storage technology.

Because hydrogen is so light, the supercar’s weight is significantly reduced compared to traditional electric cars, resulting in faster acceleration, better braking, handling and engine performance. The chassis is made of titanium and carbon fiber, and the body is reinforced with titanium, helping the car weigh only 1,031 kg.

The hydrogen energy storage system is not affected by extreme temperatures, so the battery charging time is also shorter (no need to worry about high temperatures during fast charging) and the battery does not deteriorate over time. In theory, the Hyperion XP-1 can maintain maximum performance for a longer period of time better than traditional supercars.

Power from the fuel cell system is sent to all four wheels via powerful motors and a three-speed gearbox. Thanks to the instantaneous power delivery and extremely lightweight construction, the Hyperion XP-1 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 2.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 354 km/h. Active aerodynamic elements behind the doors are not only beautiful, but also improve high-speed cornering and act as solar panels – they can even change position to follow the sun for optimal charging.

To develop the XP-1, Hyperion enlisted the help of some of the world’s leading aerospace companies, as well as space agencies, including NASA. “The XP-1 is designed to have a much longer range than battery-powered electric vehicles because hydrogen has a much higher compression capacity per liter than batteries. Additionally, aerospace engineers have long understood the advantage of hydrogen as the most abundant, lightest element in the universe. Now consumers will experience its extraordinary value,” said Angelo Kafantaris, CEO of Hyperion Motors.

Currently, the first prototype of the XP-1 supercar has been completed and Hyperion is expected to commercialize this model within the next 2 years, with a limited quantity of only 300 units produced in the US, with the selling price not yet disclosed.

Hyperion XP-1 detailed images:

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