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Pre-launch trials of Riversimple’s super lightweight hydrogen-fueled Rasa two-seater car will start soon with only 20 models being made.
A trial based in Wales
The upcoming 20-car trial is based in Monmouthshire, Wales, where the start-up has invested in a hydrogen filling station in Abergavenny. And among users already signed up to lease a car are five public sector operators, who will run a Rasa for a few months. In addition, two car-sharing companies and 280 retail customers will get to lease the car for one month only. Riversimple’sfounder, Hugo Spowers explained that he wants as many people as possible to try out the car. Customers will pay 370 pounds (approximately $480) a month and 18 pence (23 cents) per mile, covering fuel, maintenance, and repairs.
Niche market
It’s not unusual for automakers to use this method for developmental and data-gathering purposes, especially for what’s likely to be a niche market, and this will lead up to an anticipated wide-release market launch in 2022.“The trial is intended to refine the customer proposition and demonstrate the economics of filling station; we hope the one we’ve put in is the only one we’ll ever do,” explains Hugo Spowers, adding, “We want to work with Shell and so on to demonstrate the effectiveness from their point of view of this model of infrastructure.”
Rasa –a lighter, simpler transport option!
The car’s hydrogen fuel cell converts hydrogen and oxygen into water and electricity. It’s been reported that the Rasa is capable of an estimated 250mpg and a 300-mile range from 1.5kg of hydrogen. The Rasa is meant for local use on small roads, and Riversimple explains that: “it’s a lighter, simpler transport option for customers.” The company also promises to be part of the local economy, “employing local people and promoting local sourcing where possible,” which is good news for Wales! They’re also concerned for the environment, “We are proactively pursuing answers to pollution and the implementation of clean, technologically advanced, infrastructure. Our car is zero emissions and highly efficient.” Riversimple’s manufacturing facility has received strong support from the Welsh government and Spowers is hoping to win another grant so they can take the Rasa to volume production in 2022 as proposed.
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