Apricale has achieved a remarkable feat as the world’s first zero-emissions hypercar, weighing in at a mere 1,000 kg. This groundbreaking achievement redefines the driving experience, merging the agility of top-tier gasoline-powered hypercars with the instantaneous responsiveness of electric motors. In fact, the electric drivetrain outperforms conventional hypercars in terms of responsiveness. The Apricale’s powertrain is a monumental milestone, demonstrating that a zero-emissions powertrain can match the power, weight, and range of an internal combustion engine.
The vehicle harnesses multi-hundred kW fuel cells, in conjunction with exceptional Ultra High Power lithium-ion cells developed by technical collaborators AMTE Power, and Viritech’s cutting-edge intelligent energy management system, Tri-Volt™. While the fuel cells serve as the primary propulsion source for the Apricale, the battery provides supplementary power for rapid acceleration and achieving ultra-high-performance levels, along with efficient storage for regenerating braking energy.
Viritech’s Tri-Volt™ Energy Management System and patented power electronics enable a dynamic blend of energy from both the fuel cells and batteries. Furthermore, the swift-charging and discharging batteries significantly enhance the regenerative braking system’s ability to recover a multitude of times more kinetic energy compared to traditional battery electric vehicles. This groundbreaking technology marks a pivotal shift towards a more sustainable and high-performance future in the world of hypercars.
Innovation in Motion
The aspiration to overcome all the trade-offs associated with zero-emission vehicles prompted Viritech’s engineers to undertake a comprehensive reevaluation of how fuel cells and batteries can seamlessly collaborate. Historically, hydrogen storage has presented another significant challenge, primarily due to its weight. Conventional hydrogen storage tanks, designed to withstand the high pressure of 700 bar, have exhibited a weight efficiency of just around 5% (meaning that 5kg of hydrogen requires a 100kg storage tank). Viritech’s engineers embarked on an audacious journey to revolutionize this aspect. Viritech’s patent-pending Graph-Pro™ technology leverages lightweight composites and a graphene-infused resin system, enabling the tanks to integrate into the structural framework of the Apricale monocoque. This groundbreaking solution not only minimizes weight but also enhances packaging efficiency, extending the projected range to over 350 miles/560 kilometers before requiring refueling.
