Hyperion XP-1 hydrogen fuel cell supercar switches 1000-mile range, top speed of 221 mph

What has an optimum top speed of 221 mph, 0-60 mph acceleration faster than 2.2 seconds, a maximum range of 1,016 miles, no tailpipe emission, and could currently only be practically practiced in one state?

The answer is the Hyperion XP-1, an exclusive supercargas of hydrogen fuel cells that is “partly designed to act as an educational tool for the masses,” according to the company’s head.

Hyperion CEO and founding member Angelo Kafantaris described the flamboyant hydrogen booster in a statement accompanying his digital reveal on Wednesday.

Hyperion XP-1

Originally slated to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April 2020 and then released last month, the XP-1 marks the first chapter in Hyperion’s long vision to “cut edge space technology, pioneered by NASA” delivering in things ranging from highway to space travel, the company said. Hyperion also said it aims to provide low-hydrogen fuel throughout America.

The company, that has confirmed Green car reports a total workforce of about 200, points to the red as “the culmination of nearly 10 years of development, testing, and research in hydrogen technology by more than 200 researchers and scientists.”

Although it did not disclose the power output of the fuel cell stack, it is the exact engine configuration, why there is a 3-speed transmission, or how much hydrogen it can hold. Simply put – and in a counterpoint to the Nikola Badger pick-up, which will combine battery and fuel cell energy sources all in one – the XP-1 aims to showcase the potential of cars for fuel cells to let light shine .

Hyperion says the curb weight of the XP-1 is less than 2,000 pounds, allowing for an impressive power-to-weight ratio, and the supercar can be refueled in less than five minutes at gas stations at public stations.

Hyperion XP-1

However, the car probably does not have much interior space, and although storing enough hydrogen for 1000 miles range does not add much weight, it does take up a very large volume. Therefore, you will not find more than 400 miles range in current versions of the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, Hyundai Nexo, or Toyota Mirai.

The XP-1 runs on a completely independent double-winbone suspension made of “ultralight space-class aluminum alloy”, according to the company, and the ride height is adjustable via a hydraulic system.

Active wings have been shown solely to give a sense of proportion. A Kevlar-reinforced composite component diffuser and vortex forced-air intake also keep the air flowing where it needs to go for high-speed stability.

In photos, it looks like the XP-1 could be mistaken for a highly customized Bugatti Chiron, and the makers of the XP-1 seem to embrace something in the way of space-capsule modernism meets a classic Italian-influenced supercar aesthetic. The car has a 134-inch winding glass door with a “privacy tint control,” plus V-Wing doors that are said to be inspired by “Winged Victory of Samothrace.”

Hyperion XP-1

No photos of the interior have been released yet, but Hyperion says the XP-1 has carbon fiber seat structures, hand-stitched leather, with titanium gear selector and pedals plus carbon / titanium accents. On the center console there is a 98-inch curved screen with “touch-free steering control.”

Hyperion said the car “100% built, designed and built by hand in the US” Customizable color and trim options are available, but total production for the model will be limited to just 300 units. Deliveries should begin in early 2022.

This first reveal lacks many critical questions about sales, service, distribution, and how it plans to make hydrogen available to its drivers outside of California.

2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell at hydrogen station [photo: Chris Baccus]

Green car reports has reached out to the company with a second round of questions about that and more – as if it were looking for a proprietary hydrogen distribution model like that of Nikola Motors. However, privately funded Hyperion has been around longer; it was founded in 2011 and has been developing the XP-1 since 2016 – although the company Orange, California, has been in stealth mode much of that time. It includes Hyperion Energy, Hyperion Motors, and Hyperion Aerospace, all focused on hydrogen power and delivery.