Bringing rocket science to hydrogen vehicles

At the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Viritech successfully launched the Apricale hypercar. The hypercar combines 1,000bhp in a zero-emission vehicle weighing just 1,000kg – this is half the weight of some battery electric hypercars.

Reaction Engines is the inventor of the hybrid air-breathing rocket engine and, in 2019, it launched its Applied Technologies divisions to bring compact and lightweight thermal management to other sectors, including automotive.

Together, the two companies will explore the use of Reaction Engines’ technology in FCEV powertrains.

The technology promises to reduce the size and weight of the cooling system for the fuel cell and battery pack.

For trucks and any other vehicle where weight is critical, this has the potential to contribute to the decarbonisation of transport.

Timothy Lyons, CEO of Viritech said: “We are excited by the speed at which Viritech is gaining recognition across the automotive industry for its ground-breaking advances in hydrogen powertrain technologies. Today’s announcement of this important MOU with Reaction Engines, demonstrates how we are also working increasingly with leading British companies to cement the UK’s position as the go-to supplier of hydrogen technologies for global OEMs and Tier-1s.” 

Matt Faulks, CTO of Viritech, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Reaction Engines. I see their technology as a key enabler for improving fuel cell thermal systems and I look forward to realising the benefits this can bring to our range of powertrain products and in the Apricale hypercar."

Tom Burvill, Director for Applied Technologies at Reaction Engines said: “We are thrilled to be working with Viritech on such a pioneering project that should pave the way for more efficient zero-emission powertrains across the automotive sector. It’s a great example of how we can leverage our unique thermal management technology to help decarbonise this industry.”