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From a relatively-unknown startup this breathtaking hypercar thinks we're wrong about EVs and bets on hydrogen.

This supercar is interesting in many ways, not least of all because of its powertrain. Only 3 decades ago the world’s supercars were powered using a simple idea – either large capacity naturally-aspirated or forced-induction gasoline engines, like the Ferrari F50 and Ferrari F40.

Since then the automobile world has changed almost at the same pace as the zeitgeist surrounding the planet’s climate problems, and we have seen BEVs take over, with all the instant torque and superfast acceleration times they provide us with.

Now we have needed to face the issue of losing some of the best bits of supercars: the sound, smell, vibration and driver involvement as we turn to batteries.

FCEVs – fuel cell electric vehicles – can power the same electric motors as normal EVs but produce the power from hydrogen fuel cells instead of heavy batteries.

This potential eureka moment in modern vehicle design gets rid of the massive drawback of batteries – weight – while providing the same benefits as an EV.

We check out the world’s first hydrogen hypercar FCEV from Viritech: the Apricale.

Firstly – the design of this hypercar – one of the main talking points just after its headlining powertrain feature.

Designed by Pininfarina it is blessed with one sleek and cohesive exterior, managing to look distinctive and in some places pretty original, in today’s world of similar-looking hypercars.

Hypercars are styled with form before function to a certain degree, they have to have a certain shape that reduces air resistance while providing adequate downforce, have a low center of gravity and provide enough cooling for the brakes and powertrain.

With the help of mighty Italian stylist Pininfarina who have styled many Ferraris including the Enzo, the Alfa Romeo Spider and even French cars like the Peugeot 504 Coupe, the Apricale has a well-executed and premium-looking shape and gorgeous lines.

Up front, cool-looking scoops and sleek headlamps join massive intakes on the sides, then up back is an elegant yet compact wing.

The choice to use a dark color with contrasting blue trims on the lower parts of the Apricale creates an interesting look while the rear hexagon-punched panel and the restrained use of the ubiquitous light bar make this a relatively original-looking hypercar.

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This halo FCEV hypercar is ostensibly a showcase for the hydrogen fuel cell maker who are also working on semi trucks, helicopters and more; including an SUV concept.

For the Apricale, a two-motor setup provides all-wheel-drive and offers 1000 hp with 738 lb-ft of torque.

Next, a hydrogen tank holds the precious liquid gas at 700 bars of pressure and the vehicle can store 12 lbs of the stuff as its fuel.

A small 6 kWh battery can be charged with a 800v charger too, and all this provides the car with a supposed 2.5-second 0-60 mph time: this is Tesla Model S Plaid or Dodge Challenger SRT Demon straight line speed.

There are other cars available with hydrogen technology like the Toyota Mirai, but this is the first time it will have been used to power a true hypercar and so far things look promising.

RELATED: The Pininfarina-Designed NamX HUV Is A Sleek Hydrogen-Powered Crossover

Perhaps one of the key areas of interest aside from the hydrogen or the Pininfarina design is its light weight – in this segment, mass is key and batteries have made supercars very heavy, resulting in a need to double horsepower as the weight of the cars double too.

Not so with the Apricale; it weighs 2200 lbs, which is very light considering the 1000 hp and EV performance lurking under that sleek outer body.

2200 lbs is 1000 lbs less than a BMW Z4 and 800 lbs less than a Porsche 718 Boxster and this car has at least 600 hp more than those sports cars.

This low weight is courtesy of a “Carbon Fiber Composite Monocoque Body” and the use of recycled and natural materials.

Talking of minimizing weight, the cockpit of this hydrogen-powered jet fighter is minimalistic-yet-stylish, with a futuristic F1-shaped steering yoke and contrasting colors on the interior trim and seats, while the inside is practically devoid of buttons with only a small, wraparound screen in front of the driver for the instruments.

It’s refreshing to see a modern car interior with the emphasis on driving and simplicity over the integrated infotainment features and large screens.

Arguably the biggest issue the car faces is being brought to production in today’s turbulent times amid shortages of electric parts and rising costs.

The second issue is the relative lack of hydrogen refueling stations, not to mention the somewhat patchy history hydrogen powered-cars have had with economy, periodic hydrogen loss and consumer confidence.

Still, Viritech believes that the FCEV concept makes more sense for sustainability as it doesn’t need polluting battery packs which are hard to recycle and require a lot of energy to produce in the first place, not to mention the fact that in theory the hydrogen is quick to refill compared to when charging a battery.

Time will tell, but for now it looks like the Apricale has all the angles it needs to convince both the gear heads and legislation-enforcing politicians that this is the way forwards when it comes to lightweight and very quick supercars as well as every day workhorses.

Hailing from Britain, the home of both MG and Aston Martin, Dave is no stranger to sports cars. Or a little rain. When he's not busy working his day-job or writing songs and pretending to be a musician; Dave indulges his obsession with cars by writing and researching diligently, so that he can inform and convert other people to the dark side.