Although it doesn’t have a very catchy name, the Apricale limited series hypercar unquestionably catches the eye. It’s the brainchild of UK startup Viritech, which intends to showcase its hydrogen fuel cell tech in an epic way.
While battery-powered electric vehicles have become the norm, many automotive giants, including Toyota, Hyundai, or Honda, are also heavily involved in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
These companies are joined in this quest by small startups with big plans. The most ambitious of the bunch seems to be UK-based Viritech which plans to build the world’s first production hydrogen-powered hypercar.
It’s called Apricale, which comes from the Latin word Apricus, meaning “touched by the sun.” While it would’ve been more appropriate for a solar-powered vehicle, the name was chosen because the star at the center of our solar system is comprised of about 73% hydrogen.
Photo: Viritech
One of the main reasons why battery power is the weapon of choice for manufacturers who are developing electric hypercars is the ease of integrating such power packs into the chassis.
Fuel cells are connected to large, high-pressure tanks used to store hydrogen, but they are too heavy and volatile for these types of vehicles. Viritech states its solution is a revolutionary, lightweight graphene-composite pressure vessel, capable of being used as a structural component of the Apricale’s monocoque chassis. The patent-pending design will be made available for other purposes like storing oxygen and nitrogen for various applications.
While the company revealed that the powertrain would be capable of producing 1,100 hp, no other details have been made public at this time.
Photo: Viritech
However, we have a set of concept images that showcase just how beautiful this zero-emission machine will be. The exterior design rivals what you would expect from a Koenigsegg, and the free-flowing lines hint that this will be extremely aerodynamically efficient. Other nice touches include butterfly doors with side-mounted cameras that replace traditional side mirrors and the curved LED strips that dominate its rear end.
Judging by the multiple vents on the back, the fuel cell stacks will be mounted in a central position for optimal weight distribution.
The interior is set to accommodate two occupants in slimed-out bucket seats. A digital gauge cluster will probably be integrated into the motorsport-inspired steering wheel, while the center console will feature the main infotainment screen.
Photo: Viritech
Along with the innovative fuel tank and control systems, the car is currently in the concept phase, with development set to take place at the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) technology park in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
Among the team of engineers who are part of this project is co-founder Matt Faulks, an ex-Formula One engineer, so the Apricale benefits from motorsport expertise.
Viritech announced that it plans to build and test the hypercar next year, while production of the 25 units and early deliveries are expected to commence by the end of 2023. Those interested should expect a price tag of around $2.1 million (£1.5 million), excluding taxes.
The startup also intends to build a hydrogen-powered truck named Jovian and an SUV called Tellaro, but its main focus will be developing and improving fuel cell technologies for third-party use.
Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times. Full profile
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