Hydrogen Car Tests Planned

Astounding MPG, 200-Mile Range

Alternative car entrepreneur Riversimple, based in the United Kingdom, is set to begin a pilot program next year that involves small cars which run on hydrogen fuel. The trial will likely go through the 2013 calendar year, involve 30 of the 2-seaters, and gather reams of data from electronic boxes inside the cars. While the diminutive autos boast a range of over 200 miles, and cruise at speeds up to 50 mph, they get fantastic equivalent mileage, hitting the 300 mpg-e mark. In the trial program, the cars will be leased to drivers, who look to pay around $400 per month, a price that also includes the hydrogen.

Making Hydrogen History

Hugo Spowers, the car’s creator, manufactured a pair of demos, one of which acts as his personal automobile. Spowers is an advocate of non-fossil fuel vehicles, viewing the near future as a time when electricity and hydrogen will rule the roost. He is putting his money on the line as well, and continues to attract venture capitalists who are fellow true believers. One of those believers is Ernst Piech, grandson of the founder of Porsche. Chris Reitz, a prominent recent backer, and designer of the car‘s latest prototype, is better known as the architect of the beloved Fiat 500. Reitz previously captained design groups at both Fiat and Alfa Romeo.

Hydrogen car with fans

Snagging Reitz for the Riversimple team was a coup for founder Spowers and company. Spowers is something of phenom himself, having already had a successful career as a race driver and engineer. All of Riversimple’s vehicles utilize carbon fiber components, and feature lease plans rather than direct sales.

Riversimple was previously called OSCar, and has come up with not only the current Riversimple Urban hydrogen car, but also the Morgan LIFECar sports racer. No stranger to taking risks, Spowers has been a member of the influential Dangerous Sports Club, which popularized bungee jumping worldwide.

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…