The Hyperion XP-1 is probably the wildest hypercar I’ve ever laid eyes on. The specs, price and even the zero-emission powertrain are jaw dropping.
The sleek prototype from Hyperion Motors is billed as the world’s first hydrogen electric hypercar. The engineers and designers didn’t hold back on anything with this one.
The specs are unlike anything on the road, with a claimed range of 1,000-miles and 2,038-horsepower. It will rocket to 60 mph in 2.2 seconds or less on its way to a top speed of 221 miles.
And get this, because it has three carbon fiber hydrogen fuel cells powering its four electric motors – one at each wheel – it can be recharged in 3 to 5 minutes.
Inside there’s a 100-inch touchscreen and interior styling that’s every bit as modern and bold as the exterior.
Brace yourself for the price tag. Hyperion is asking customers to pony up roughly $2 million to buy one.
Here’s the bigger rub, unless you live in California, it’s next to impossible to fill ‘er up.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy there were 53 public hydrogen stations in California as of 2024, along with one in Hawaii. That’s it.
That’s likely at least one of the reasons why the XP-1 hasn’t actually made it into production yet, although Hyperion’s website is accepting orders.
The XP-1 isn’t new. It was originally unveiled in 2020. Most of the video you’ll see in the EV Rider episode at the top of this post is file footage
There are apparently still plans to build it, following an announcement that the plant would be in Colombus, Ohio a few years ago.
Hyperion’s founder and CEO Angelo Kafantaris told The Columbis Dispatch in October 2024 that work on the plant could begin soon.
Hyperion hasn’t been active on social media since last summer and hasn’t posted a news release on its website since 2022. So read into that what you will.
While it seems unlikely you’ll ever see one of these on the road or at a car show, the prototype is certainly a site to behold. You’ll find plenty of video of the XP-1 in the episode at the top of this point.