British sports car manufacturer BAC will team up with engineering firm Viritech to create a hydrogen fuel cell version of its lightweight Mono sports car.
The Liverpool-based Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) specialised in producing lightweight, open top sportscars, which until now has all been powered by combustion engines. The long-running Mono currently uses a 2.5-litre Mountune Racing-built unit.
But in a push to alternate powertrains, BAC has now agreed to work with Viritech, a hydrogen powertrain specialist that works on products in the automotive, aerospace and marine industries. Viritech recently secured funding via the Niche Vehicle Network Feasibility Study Grant and will use it to explore the feasibility of using hydrogen fuel cells to power niche vehicles.
BAC is assisting with the project by supplying Viritech with a Mono sports car that will be converted into a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). The brand hopes that by supporting the project this will help with its aims to reduce emissions by 2030.
The car manufacturer claims to have become climate positive in 2018 as a result of carbon offsetting.
BAC has highlighted its interest in sustainability in the past, with the brand looking to expand the use of lightweight materials such as graphene and niobium in future models.
BAC co-founder Neill Briggs said: “Alternative fuels, along with lightweight construction methods, reduces vehicle emissions considerably without compromising driver engagement, something we are committed to preserving at BAC.”
BAC and Viritech have not revealed any technical details on the hydrogen powered Mono and it is not yet known if the vehicle will be put into production.
READ MORE
e-CARS
The ten best-selling electric cars in the UK
e-BIKES
Cairn Cycles E-Adventure 1.0 e-bike review
Ten e-bikes we’re looking forward to in 2022
e-MOTORBIKES
Ten electric motorbikes to look forward to in 2022
Art, sustainability and choppers - the wonderful world of Stirling Eco
e-SCOOTERS
Hypercar firm Bugatti's first electric vehicle is an 18mph e-scooter
Ride-hailing firm Bolt set for UK expansion after big investment
e-WORLD
Veolia to open first UK plant for recycling EV batteries
The new Bobcat T7X is a truly groundbreaking electric digger