Innovative fuel cell powertrain propels unconventional EV from 0-62mph in just 2.5 seconds; it’s available to order now
Chinese firm Gumpert Aiways, led by renowned ex-Audi engineer Roland Gumpert and backed by Chinese EV start-up Aiways, has revealed the production version of its long-awaited Nathalie methanol-fuel-cell sports EV.
The first models to be sold will be specified in €407,000 (£353,520) First Edition guise, which wears a bespoke paint scheme and is set to begin deliveries in early 2021. Just 500 examples of the Nathalie will be built throughout its entire production run.
Revealed in prototype form in 2018, the Nathalie is equipped with a 15kW fuel cell, developed by Danish firm Serenergy, that generates electricity by converting methanol to hydrogen.
The cell sends power through a pair of synchronised two-speed gearboxes to four wheel-mounted electric motors which, with a combined output of 536bhp, propel the Nathalie from 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds and on to a claimed top speed of 186mph.
The unusual choice of powertrain is said to allow greater ease-of-use, with no need to visit specialist hydrogen fuelling stations and a claimed refuelling time of three minutes – significantly less than even the fastest-charging conventional EV. Gumpert claims a range of over 500 miles between these fillups.
The production car’s styling remains true to that of the concept, first shown in 2018. The thin headlight clusters, gaping air intakes and rakish, coupé-style silhouette remain, as does the downforce-enhancing rear spoiler.
The concept’s conventional doors, however, have made way for Lamborghini-style scissor doors that are said to be more in keeping with the Nathalie’s ‘supersport car genes’.
Although road legal, the Nathalie is fully prepared for track usage with a full FIA-approved roll cage in place of a rear bench, while extensive use of materials like flax and carbonfibre ensures maximum lightness.
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Source: Autocar
