Affordable fuel-cell technology with new concept

Imagine buying a hydrogen-powered FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) without breaking the bank.

Well that dream may soon become a reality if plans by Welsh automaker Riversimple all fall into place.

Hugo Spowers, founder of Riversimple, spearheaded his company’s launch of two new variants of the hydrogen-powered FCEV concept ‘Rasa’ - a light goods vehicle and a four-seater car, which were both designed by former Audi, Nissan and Fiat designer Chris Reitz.

The concept is Riversimple’s first step into making vehicles that are affordable, have cutting-edge technology, all while eliminating built-in obsolescence and offering all inclusive sale-of-service.

Riversimple is currently in the process of crowdfunding to match a €2 million EU grant (US$ 2,263,070) in order to beta test 20 Rasas within this year and the next with the goal of making these vehicles commercially available by 2018.

"Over a 20-year period, this approach would create thousands of new jobs and forge new revenue streams. Our circular business model aligns profitability with sustainability and has the potential to change the market dynamics in this resource-intensive industry," said Spowers.

Riversimple’s timeline seems to be in sync with the UK government’s prediction that by 2030 there will be 1.3 million hydrogen vehicles on the road.

The Rasa, created by a team from F1, Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls Royce and other aerospace companies, claims to be the ‘most efficient car in the world’, weighs only 580kg, has a 482-kilometer range and refuels in just three minutes.