Hyperion XP-1 is world’s first hydrogen supercar

Californian start-up Hyperion has pulled the drapes off its XP-1, a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered supercar that can humble Ferraris but cover up to 1600km between refills.

Revealed as part of the company's plans to promote its zero-emission fuel-cell tech, which emits only water vapour, the two-seat Hyperion XP-1 shuns batteries for lighter, more advanced supercapacitor power storage.

Sending all its power and might to all four wheels, Hyperion claims the XP-1 can launch itself to 100km/h in just 2.2 seconds and top out at 356km/h.

Another huge advantage over upcoming rivals like the Pininfarina Battista is that, thanks to supercapacitor tech instead of large lithium-ion batteries, the XP-1 weighs in at just 1032kg compared to the rumoured 1900kg for the Italian EV supercar.

This makes the H2-powered supercar more agile, responsive and engaging to drive, says its creators, without any of the overheating worries that battery-powered vehicles can suffer after flat-out driving.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the XP-1, considering its performance bent, is its range of more than 1600km, with its larger carbon-fibre fuel tanks said to take less than five minutes for a complete fill.

As part of the launch, Hyperion says it will personally supply hydrogen to refuelling stations across the US to boost the infrastructure needed for the XP-1.

Said to launch in 2022, the production XP-1 will also feature active aerodynamics that incorporate solar panels for extra downforce. When not chasing lap times, the same moveable air bending wings will follow the position of the sun to maximise driving range.

Based in California, Hyperion has made its name supplying hydrogen propulsion systems to NASA, among others.

There’s no word yet on pricing, but the fledgling US supercar-maker says it plans to limit XP-1 production to around 300 cars globally.