The Hyperion XP-1 – A Stunning EV Supercar With No Range Anxiety

The latest hypercar was announced last week and the numbers are staggering:

Top Speed: 356 km/h / 221 mph
0-60 mph: under 2.2 seconds
All-Electric Range: 1,635 kms / 1,016 miles
Curb Weight: under 907 kilos / 2,000 lbs

Ladies and Gentleman – here is the Hyperion XP-1, a hydrogen exclusive fuel-cell supercar.

Originally set to be revealed at the 2020 New York Auto Show back in April, it was teased last month before being officially unveiled on Wednesday.

According to the company, the XP-1 marks the first chapter of Hyperion’s long-term vision to deliver “cutting edge space technology, pioneered by NASA” in things ranging from road vehicles to space travel. Hyperion said that they aim to offer low-cost hydrogen fuel across America. Good luck with that…

Hyperion says the XP-1 can be refuelled in less than five minutes at public stations. The major crux of the matter is for tanks capable of holding enough hydrogen to go the full range, they’ll have to take up a LOT of space inside the car. Current hydrogen versions of the Honda Clarity, Hyundai Nexo and Toyota Mirai don’t have ranges any longer than 740 kilometres (400 miles).

Riding on a fully independent double-wishbone suspension made of “ultralight space-grade aluminium-alloy, the XP-1’s ride height is adjustable via a hydraulic system. A Kevlar-reinforced composite underbody diffuser and vortex forced-air intake are used for high-speed stability.

Although no interior pictures were revealed, Hyperion says the XP-1 has carbon-fibre seat structures, hand-stitched leather, with titanium gear selector and the centre console has a 98-inch curved screen with “touch-free gesture control.”

Hyperion said the total production for the model will be limited to just 300 units and will be “100% engineered, designed, and hand-built in the U.S.A.” Deliveries are due to start in early 2022.

This first reveal is missing many critical questions about sales, service, distribution, and how it’s planning to make hydrogen available to its drivers outside of California.

Privately funded, Hyperion was founded in 2011 and has been developing the XP-1 since 2016. It includes Hyperion Energy, Hyperion Motors, and Hyperion Aerospace – all focused on hydrogen power and delivery.