An electric Mercedes has traveled more than 1,200 km on a single charge. A feat achieved between Stuttgart in Germany and Silverstone in England, all on the open road. On arrival, the car was driven on the famous English circuit by Nick de Vryes, a driver who races in Formula E for Mercedes. The vehicle in question is a concept car, which is called EQXX. It was developed with the assistance of the teams involved in competition, whether Formula 1 and Formula E. But its advantage is that it uses automotive technologies that are already known, and potentially applicable in series. The car favors weight reduction and better energy management, without carrying a huge battery. The EQXX had already crossed the 1,000 km barrier last April, during a trip between Stuttgart and Cassis, in the south of France.
We stay in England with a hydrogen Hypercar, presented as part of the Goodwood speed festival.
It is called Apricale, and was designed by Pininfarina. This very stylish car boasts a power of 1,000 horsepower for a weight of less than 1 ton. It’s impossible to do this with batteries. And that is why the English company Viritech, which is behind the project, has chosen hydrogen. The car embeds a fuel cell, connected to two electric motors. The hydrogen is stored at 700 bars. And thanks to composite materials, using in particular graphene-based resin, the tanks fit better into the bodywork. The Apricale claims a range of 560 km. The manufacturer wants to produce 25 copies at Pininfarina. Deliveries are scheduled for 2024.
News from the Franco-Moroccan hydrogen car…
This is an SUV that was developed by the NAMX brand. This was created by the Franco-Moroccan entrepreneur Faouzi Annajah. The vehicle is presented for the first time in public in Berlin, as part of a festival on ecology and technology. For the record, this event was created by Nico Rosberg, the former Formula 1 driver and world champion. who designed this SUV. Otherwise, the strong point are removable capsules which reinforce the main tank to extend the autonomy, announced at 800 km. The HUV, that’s the name of this model, will be released at the end of 2025.
And we end with a new challenge for Philippe Croizon
Amputated of 4 limbs, he does not back down from any obstacle. After crossing the English Channel by swimming, this adventurer will be able to realize a dream: to participate in the Dakar with a hydrogen buggy. Philippe Croizon will collaborate with the GCK team, which will integrate a fuel cell into the vehicle. Which will also be adapted to be piloted, despite the handicap. This buggy will take part next year on a few stages of the Dakar, in order to test the technology and be ready. Philippe Croizon tackles this new challenge with enthusiasm. He already participated in the rally in 2017 and finished in 49th place, commanding admiration because it is the toughest rally in the world. It will be back in two years and with a zero-emission vehicle.
