Overview
The automotive industry is turning to renewable energy sources in a concerted effort to counter climate change. Explore the ways Hyperion is harnessing the power of hydrogen fuel cells and NASA technologies to power cars.
Businesses and consumers around the world are increasingly recognizing sustainability as an imperative. With customers turning more toward brands that have eco-friendly missions, and organizations reimagining operations to lessen waste, there is a great demand for environmentally resposible solutions.
In the vehicle technology industry, electric vehicles have largely gained recognition and acceptance. But beyond the familiar battery-powered electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells offer another renewable energy source that can help cars go forward, faster and cleaner.
Hyperion CEO and Founder Angelo Kafantaris joined CES® 2021 anchor Rich DeMuro to share more about how hydrogen fuel works, and how the Hyperion team leveraged this space tech on earth.
How Hydrogen Fuel Works
Unlike conventional diesel or gasoline cars, vehicles running on hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, which then powers the car’s motor.
“Hydrogen is stored between two atoms and it’s tied together through one electron,” Kafantaris said. “As it passes through a fuel cell, the electron is released, and it powers the car.”
The result of the chemical bond produces only water and heat, meaning there are no tailpipe emissions.
All That It Is and All That It Can Do
Not just a cleaner source of energy, hydrogen fuel holds unique qualities that have enabled the Hyperion team to create its Hypercar XP-1.
Safe
“It’s non caustic, it’s not cancerous,” Kafantaris explained. “It can withstand any type of impact of heat.”
Kafantaris highlights that these safe and eco-friendly properties of hydrogen fuel is why it is used in NASA missions.
Efficient
With hydrogen fuel, vehicles can store a lot more energy, giving the XP-1 a 1000-mile range on a single charge. The vehicles also have a very fast refill time of three to five minutes — more than 10 times faster than battery electric vehicles, Kafantaris said.
Lightweight
Hydrogen fuel is extremely lightweight, allowing hydrogen fuel cell cars to run at faster speeds and reach faster speeds more quickly.
“If you are running a marathon and you’re bringing water, do you want a heavy water bottle or do you want a light water bottle?” Kafantaris said.
See It in Action
The Hyperion team has worked with NASA to develop hydrogen fuel technologies that they can leverage in the Hypercar XP-1. An electric car that has a 1000-mile range, can go from zero to 60 speed in under 2.2 seconds, and holds a top speed of 222 miles per hour, the XP-1 offers all the power that users may want while still keeping the planet in mind.
From building hydrogen storage systems and power stations to developing active aerodynamics that also provide solar power, Hyperion is harnessing NASA technology to move hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into a widely adopted reality.
Watch the full interview with Kafantaris.
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