Pininfarina H2 Speed
Pininfarina H2 Speed Hydrogen Fuel Cell Racecar Review
Technology sure moves fast. It only feels a few short months ago that we were excitedly told about the potential of the Pininfarina H2 Speed hydrogen fuel cell racecar concept. The aim was to try and make a real-life racing vehicle, though at the time it was a mere prototype.
Two years on, though, the Pininfarina H2 Speed is running around Geneva showcasing its true potential. It didn’t take as long as many experts thought it would to get up and running.
Interestingly, though, this hydrogen fuel cell race-car is designed for fast re-fills. With re-filling times of just three minutes, this wonderfully powered hydrogen fuel cell solution is certainly on-the-ball. How, though, is it shaping up?
A Major Departure
One thing to make clear, though, is that the 2016 and 2018 models are significantly different. While the overall aesthetic appeal remains, even that has changed. A thinner vehicle than planned complete with an extended wheelbase, this has gone through some cosmetic improvements. The air scoop also allows for better airflow into the cabin; something missing beforehand.
The main difference between then and now, of course, is functionality. Unlike the 2016 concept, the 2018 edition works. In terms of s peed, this can hit a ridiculous 186mph. It can go from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds, too, which is pretty damn impressive. The 653HP (fuel cell + electric motors) also makes sure you can get plenty of bang for your buck. Four electric motors running in tandem add to the speed and cornering ability.
With 13,000RPM, too, this is a vehicle made for racing performance. How can a car like this get so much juice though?
Say hello to its GreenGT hydrogen fuel cell. This delivers a continuous 250Kw of power. Regenerative braking also provides 2.4 kWh for every 20 seconds of braking time. The H2 tanks can hold as much as 20 pounds of hydrogen at any one time, too, and takes only a few moments to refill.
Weighing around 1,420kg, though, the Pininfarina H2 Speed weighs less than a lot of normal gasoline-driven cars. Since racing performance is down to factors like weight, that’s a very important part of the procedure. With just under 60% of the weight distributed to the rear, too, this does a good job of balancing out that weight for racing performance and purpose.
The H2 Speed can go from a dead start to covering 400m in about 11 seconds: unbelievable for a ‘concept’ car. The fact it’s a zero emission vehicle only makes this rapid fire vehicle even more impressive.
What’s the Cost?
Sadly, nobody knows at the moment. With just 12 examples of it being made in the first place, you might need one of those off-shore bank accounts to afford a one (the latest rumor are about $2.5 Million USD). However, given the rapid pace we went from concept to a fully-fledged commercial vehicle, it might not be too long until the Pininfarina H2 Speed hydrogen fuel cell racecar is affordable at mere mortal price ranges.
Don’t hold your breath, though (or anyone else’s for that matter)!
Here a 2-minute Youtube Video worth watching: https://youtu.be/0zPbvAUy8d8
More information on our Blog Posts
https://www.hydrogencarsnow.com/index.php/pininfarina-sintesi/
https://www.hydrogencarsnow.com/index.php/hydrogen-cars/pininfarina-sintesi-fuel-cell-car-debuts/