Riversimple | Fully Charged

[@pol1250]

One of your best episodes ever !! It is a pleasure to listen to that man from Riverside ! Wish we had more people on this planet like him !!

[@adamthornton5027]

That was one of the most illumining and inspiring videos I've ever watched on KZbin! And it was about a car! Bravo Bobby and Riversimples!

[@TeslaNick2]

This is a brilliant idea. I especially like the idea of pushing the business model envelope. It takes visionary ideas like this to make any real progress in the right direction. Kudos to Riversimple. I hope they do well.

[@BassSnail]

yes indeed, really hope they can start a new direction!

[@StewFairweather]

Love the idea of using capacitors for storing regen and quick discharge. Very smart. The business model sounds interesting to. Good luck to 'em.

[@SherrifOfNottingham]

I'd be interested to see a battery powered vehicle do the same thing (4 engines, supercaps for regen). Hydrogen is just too expensive of a fuel to use.

[@UOTCbassist]

0-60 in under 9 seconds in a 2-seater car with ONLY 11hp!? Good lord that's insane!

[@neatodd]

Great video Robert. Very interesting car and business model. Good luck to them.

[@rns011]

Wow, these guys are taking it to the next level. Amazing to see the social science aspect as part of the overall plan. I hope these guys make it happen.

[@georgioskoutepas2515]

Thank you so much for making this video. It is a whole paradigm shift and without this video we would never known... I sincerely hope all the positive comments will motivate Riversimple to go further

[@TomWorley]

0-60 mph in 10 seconds on 11 hp, what a great idea to add the super capacitor storage in for the acceleration & regeneration to keep the peak current requirements from the fuel cell down. Shame the idea wouldn't really help with battery powered electric cars as reducing the size of the batteries but keeping the acceleration would reduce the range, in this car the capacity of the hydrogen tank and how light the car is defines the range. The ownership model is a great idea, keeps the cars as efficient as possible as they pay for the fuel.

[@Perspectologist]

This was really interesting! I am glad to support this kind of content. If it hasn't already been covered then e-bikes (electric motor assisted bicycles) may be an interesting area to briefly explore in an episode. While I can't presently buy an electric car I was able to buy an e-bike as a way to reduce driving for some local errands.

[@dragoneye73184]

Wow, I really like the business model, the car is funky looking but I'd be totally down with driving it. For a daily driver, I couldn't ask for more.

[@VR_Wizard]

Everything about this video is mind blowing.

[@rns011]

This guy is a hero, using pre-existing parts, but packaging genius. This is the technical equivalent of a Picasso.

[@mandywhittles]

What an amazing car - thanks for uploading this.

[@pauladams1814]

These videos brighten my day thanks.

[@chrisgurney2467]

Been waiting 30 years to see cars like this, it's awesome :)

[@daos3300]

at last, someone in the automotive industry actually trying to make things better.

[@FIuxWave]

The car is pretty cool. What really gathered my attention is the business model. That is the type of forward thinking business model that society needs to progress, a much more harmonious relationship between the free roaming nature of business and the aggregate interests of society collectively.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Brilliant stuff! Hugo, sounds like David Cameron - but only his voice and inflection, beyond that everything about him is miles away from that analogy. He talks honestly, and candidly about Riversimple. A very detailed explanation not only about the technology, but also the operating and business model in this instance. His infectious enthusiasm rubs off on Robert and it did with me too. The other thing that separates him from any politician is that he's not in any way deluded - and that's so refreshing. Thanks guys for a really, really good presentation.

[@koertma]

Nice refreshing and disruptive go to market model! Hope to see more of these initiatives in future.

[@jean-bernardbrisset4589]

I am 81 going to 82 and I am really sorry that I shall be dead when this car will be on the french market where there is no H2 filling station anyway. Fantastic car all the same!

[@dannyminely8986]

Bonne santé et longue vie, I am sure we will see a lot of those kind of cars very soon , people are starting to wake up.

[@jochem1986]

Jean-Bernard Brisset this will be an ongoing process for everyone nearing the end of their life, I think. But see the upside: there is no better way to leave this world than filled with hope for a better future! Either way, I hope you may live long enough to see it come to market.

[@richardrouthier7818]

Jean Bernard, les stations se mettent ¸pousser en France. Ce bidule n'utilise qu'un kg d'H2.

[@950espinosa]

I love the business model that the company uses. It’s in the customer and the company’s best interests to avoid planned obsolescence and be as reliable as possible.

[@estebanvprado]

I am amazed by the company and the product. Definitely innovation doesn't only come from the product itself, but from the business model. We have to move towards a sustainable economy that doesn't reward the endless loop of consumption that is producing and selling nonstop. Truly inspired and amazed by this guy.

[@voodoobean1973]

Brilliant episode Robert, thank you.

[@grahamrutherford8800]

Riversimple dropped off my radar quite a long time ago. It's good to see they're doing such great and really interesting things. Ideal for London and the HyFIVE Project.

[@KyleJamesFrazer]

Food for thought; not sure about hydrogen but their business model is something to aspire to. I quite liked the look of the car myself.

[@ThalassTKynn]

Great looking car, love the idea of having capacitors for the high current stuff. Not a fan of hydrogen fuel cells, really. If there was a BEV option (using, say, LiFePO4 cells that don't have the grunt of lipo, but last for ages) with the caps for the grunt work it would be a fantastic car. The business model is interesting. Great work from these people, though. Good luck to them!

[@francoisjordaan]

This is the type of thinking needed in this industry. Most angles to the problem is well thought through. The result is very exciting! Thank you for bringing this news.

[@jedics1]

Finally a truly ethical business model where its in a companies interest to make something that lasts, I really have my doubts about hydrogen but every thing else about it seems like some sound thinking.

[@ionelum]

So in metric terms: the Rasa use 12kwh per 100km, while the Models S use ~16-20kwh/100km. The Rasa is a compact 2 seater while the Model S is a 5 seater. Now AC to hydrogen tank is no more than 50% efficiency, while AC to battery is 80-90% efficiency. Final results: Rasa - 24kwh/100km for a 2 seater. Model S - 21kwh/100km for a 5 seater. Why would you chose a Rasa? And I'm not even touching the performance side, 11hp vs 400hp?

[@carlwhyman8329]

think you are a bit confused . the figure x per 100km is after all well to tank inefficiency is accounted for. I believe the Rasa is 10.9, a Nissan leaf is around 24 and the Tesla much higher

[@lazarus2691]

Hmm, the rasa will go 320km on 1kg of hydrogen. 1kg of hydrogen contains about 39.5kwh of energy. Therefore the rasa gets around 12.3kwh per 100km. More similar to ionelums figure of 12kwh per 100km That also does NOT account for well to tank efficiency. A Tesla 75D with 19', the most efficient model will go 470km on 75kwh of energy. Therefore it gets 16kwh per 100km. A Tesla P90DL with 21', the least efficient model, will go 480km on 90kwh of energy. Therefore it gets about 19kwh per 100km. This gives a range of 16-19kwh per 100km, again, more in line with his figures. If you then take into account the 85%(measured average ranges from 83-88%) well to battery vs ~60% well to tank (assuming electrolysis efficiency of 67% and pumping efficiency of 90%) you get: Rasa: 20.5kwh/100km 75D: 18.8kwh/100km P90DL: 22.3kwh/100km Furthermore, that is assuming you produce the hydrogen with an industry leading electrolysis system running at peak efficiency, and that they hydrogen is pumped directly into the car. If you assume a more likely values of around 55% electrolysis efficiency and account for transporting the hydrogen longer distances, then its well to wheels efficiency quickly drops to 45% or lower, pushing its kwn/100km to above even the P90DL This isn't an attack on the car, it's a very impressive piece of tech, rather a simple demonstration of the fact that hydrogen fuel cell tech is inherently less efficient than battery tech. Even the best case scenario looses to the 75D, a much larger vehicle.

[@ionelum]

Thank you for defending my statements. I put it simple while you did a much greater job. I'm glad this tech exist and gets developed, but it isn't there yet (as they promised us tens of years ago). The one thing that Toyota Mirai, Tucson FCEV and Rasa have in common is the fact that the manufacturers hide the real cost, hence the leasing. I assume it's actually higher (probably by a lot) than that of a BEV. And I know Mirai is actualy sold to customers, but we all know it's limited production compliance car, most likely sold at a loss.

[@701983]

@Brent Smith: "1kg of hydrogen contains about 39.5kwh of energy." The energy content of a fuel is usually defined as the lower heat value, not the higher heat value (includes condensation heat). And that's 33.3 kWh for hydrogen, not 39.5 kWh. However, there is no doubt, that battery electric would be much more energy efficient. But obviously, energy efficiency is not the only point that counts. If it was, cars with an ICE would never have succeeded.

[@jkchravel]

This show puts Top Gear to shame. Can you imagine Clarkson or Mat dealing with these power control and business concepts? No! :D Great car technology and business model. Thank you Robert, Great episode and show. More please!

[@lamia197]

I Don't think you understand Top Gear, or at least when Clarkson was on. Top Gear is about 3 old men falling over while a car drives by (they actually say something similar to this). Fully Charged is a show about sensible environmental cars. Totally different shows.

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

Thank you for bringing this product and company to our attention. I have sent a link to my friend who will share it with other likeminded folks.

[@ashish_r]

Absolutely love this business model and car!

[@Nightlurk]

I love the business model, I think it's brilliant and it might just work for them as a small company.

[@tonyhughes7792]

The car itself along with the engineering is brilliant, would also be brilliant if the business model worked as well, i really hope it does.

[@soundslave]

Thanks for looking at Fuel Cell cars Robert. I feel it'll be the ultimate replacement for combustion engines.

[@EPeltzer]

So this is in essence a very small light hyperefficient hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. It is 2 to 2.5 more efficient than the best EVs today. But that is really only half the story behind this company. They have adopted opposite priorities from, well, basically every commercial car company on earth. Their POV is environmental and social sustainability, and trying to build a business case around that which is also sustainable, which means it has to be profitable. So to understand why this car is like it is, you have to start from that understanding. And that extends to their sales model, or rather their determination to never actually sell a car, but only to purvey a transportation service. And this is all to create a holistic system that rewards less consumption, less production, greater efficiency. When conventional cars and conventional ownership really end up doing the opposite. So that's really a visionary and radical and yet well thought out standpoint. And yet in 2018 I have to wonder why they still seem so wed to fuel cell technology. Yes it is lighter but that is literally the only plus in a basketful of minuses. They have designed a car so light and efficient that it seems to me they could drop the fuel cell and hydrogen and supercapacitor thing and put in lithium batteries that have gotten so good and so cheap and with fast charging facilities spreading fairly quickly, and due to that efficiency they could make do with a battery pack half the size of any similar EV on the road, and so half as heavy and bulky and costly. Miles per kWh is the thing, and this could be a real world beater in that regard. That alone would be an incredible achievement.

[@staninjapan07]

Your post is interesting, and I hope it helps convince some of the nay-sayers, but if you would be kind enough to talk about the other negatives in the basket, as you put it, I for one would be grateful. Thanks.

[@MrPikkoz]

​@@staninjapan07 Negatives : -basically no crash protection , - Only two small seats with basically no luggage space and no space for even one small child. -dreadful performance , (you can sugarcoat it how much you want , 55mph max cruising speed on flat terrain , 60mph max for short burst and 10sec 0-60 is something that is suited mainly for city driving, making the 300 miles pointless) -No modern commodities like air conditioning and power steering (ok you may not need this) , comfortable suspensions and acoustic dampening (no space and too much weight) - Non existed and expensive charging grid -Basically only good for young ,childless couples that only use delivery service instead of going shopping in person , (I would rule any over 50 as you basically enter and sit like supercar ,same comfort too) that has no monetary problems to spend 370£ monthly + 18p per mile for a vehicle with this many limits when you can get a proper EV that you can lug you shopping ,family and can do trips , unlike the RASA for much less (no seriously , the ZOE is like 175£ monthly with 5k per year). If somebody is really interested in such proto vehicles , he should consider the Aptera that it does make much more sense, as it is more spacious, starts with basically the same range up to 1000miles , due the high efficiency the solar panels should be enough for daily usage, even in UK without charging it , and if needed you can charge it anywhere there is electricity, and more importantly a top speed of 110mph and a 0-60 of 5.5s .

[@staninjapan07]

@@MrPikkoz thanks

[@TeslaRoger]

Loved the B roll. Keep up the good work!

[@Ahhfly]

The revolutionary spirit of Colin Chapman lives on.

[@arbonac]

I look forward to seeing more of this type of vehicle on the road.

[@msyin9]

The philosophy behind the creation of the car and the company is really a new way to do business that every sector, not just cars, will have to think about in order to even exist in the future. I was really fascinated by the understanding of sustainability and profitability that doesn't compromise the ethos of the customer, the planet or the company. Hydrogen isn't currently practical or easy to create, but I would very much like their business model to be adopted and it is a very well thought out way to get to an answer to the troubling questions I have had about our collective future. WE cannot continue the way we have, so people who come up with a new way of doing things better and fundamentally different is to be applauded. I hope there will be a follow up down the line about this company. Thank you very much for bringing this company to my attention Robert. Great video.

[@greyareaRK1]

Fascinating. Interviews are a lot more interesting when the person isn't a paid spokesperson, but is wholly involved in the project at ever level, and charming as well. I'll be keener on hydrogen when they work out better methods for its production, but much of the design of this car is pure genius.

[@ellieban]

+John Matthias With a 100% renewable grid, we can use the inevitable times of over supply to make clean hydrogen. The well-to-wheel CO2 emissions for this car are already respectable, but it is a car that has been designed for the world in 2030 more than for today.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

I want this car. I do not want the business model. I see his point, but it is the same with selling the car. When people would be rational, the shifting of ownership would result in the same situation. However, people are not rational. I know. That is also why this business model will not work. I want to be able to take my car to Moscow this afternoon if I feel like it. I know that I will not do this, but I want to have that feeling. I also want to own it, to have an affiliation with it. Furthermore I do not want to sponsor some lease company plus all the time. Pay once and get on with it. I know this is not rational, but that is how people are. Still, I want the car. Not the contract.

[@RonakDhakan]

If his car is as good as his economics, I will sign up for the contract.

[@okay4403]

Love that business model. So clever.

[@melanieenmats]

Yeah incredible. I really hope they succeed. I don't have a driver's licence for more than a decade and a half. But I've said I'll only get one if I can drive an electric car. Already got solar power ready a plenty to charge it up anyways! Hmm think of it I might have to make H2 :>

[@sirjohnmichael]

just a thought... it's could easily be made out of hemp-composite

[@RaphaeHalim]

Amazing business model! :-)

[@nononsenseBennett]

Such exciting technology! There is hope for the future with NO ICE vehicles. Thanks for the great interview.

[@reddrummaster]

Revolutionary product and business model. Videos like this make me smile.

[@LivingDownUnder]

+Robert de Groot hey Bert!

[@reddrummaster]

+divingbert oh noz we're cloned

[@BassSnail]

they do

[@kuglepen64]

Amazing concept. I really wish them success.

[@rongalaxie]

Oh boy doesn't their sustainable business model challenge your thinking, and how about approaching the thought that your daily run around maybe similar to a mobile phone contract, that makes more sense to me than the shared car/rent one as you need it model.

[@SD-tj5dh]

I see they're looking into making a van... I'd definitely lease the van.

[@eternitynaut]

The business model was like a light bulb being turned on, it makes so much sense. I don't know if their car will make it, but the business model is worth promoting no matter what happens.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

The business model is valid in my view. But if you sell the car, the business model does not change in the sense that the interests of the parties stay the same in the long term. It all is of course based on the presumption that human beings are rational. Which they are not.

[@Supanova7G]

Fascinating video, thanks for making it.

[@freddotu]

As noted in the other comments, there is no benefit to using hydrogen as a fuel or source of energy for a fuel cell, due to the tremendous energy required to manufacture and transport the stuff. I'm curious to know how they managed to bypass the physics of the wheel motors with respect to un-suspended weight. Automotive engineers have worked forever to remove the weight at the wheels, as it affects handling and performance, while wheel motors put so much weight in the worst place possible. Put this vehicle in the same category (eventually vanishing) as the air-powered car.

[@g-r0370]

Awesome tech and great people! Recipe for success!

[@robbieelvin4951]

Seems like an excellent business model for saving the planet's resources. I really don't like the current built in obsolescence world.

[@glenw3814]

I love the capacitors for rapid charge and discharge. Really smart, what River has done there. Maybe in a few years caps will good enough to replace batteries, in general, and River can dump the fuel cell.

[@kelli217]

"Being _less_ unsustainable is still unsustainable." I wish more people understood this.

[@jdubeau007]

+Kelli Halliburton more sustainable is still sustainable.

[@gobstoppa1633]

SUPER COMMON SENSE AND INVENTION. shame the government an co, will not let them flourish.

[@deerazor8280]

Too true maman

[@deelawrence1135]

After seeing this strange but wonderful little car pull into Abergavenny late afternoon yesterday - It's grabbed my interest. I really like it and the business concept behind it - much of it makes great sense. Personally - I'd love to chat about a van version and to be honest the cruising speed needs to match our UK motorways - cruising at 60 on our motorways - will get tiring. I wish this company well

[@xander1052]

Same, absolutely agree, it needs to be able to do at least 70, preferably 80 because you don't want to be driving a car at the limit for hours on end, it doesn't sound like a good way to maintain the health of the car components.

[@morosis82]

To be fair, as the acceleration shows, the limit we're talking about here is the output of the fuel cell. The motors can use WAAY more than 11hp, or there's no way you'd get to 60mph in 10 seconds, and that is precisely the point of the supercapacitors.

[@zlozlozlo]

I love the efficiency, I love the use of capacitors. I love the business model. Ditch the fuel cell and put in a battery pack, and it will be perfect.

[@timengstrom14]

Exactly.

[@Pryside]

i think the same... Noone has a hydrogen photocatalyst at home, but everyone has electricity

[@mostlymessingabout]

+Pryside it's very simple to make one, I did it at school

[@Pryside]

Thanh Tran But not in the grand scale to charge a full tank for a car with tons of compressed hydrogen

[@mostlymessingabout]

+Pryside it's just about upscaling. the process is dead simple. If I can afford for £100,000 (like this one), then I can well afford to make a £1K hydrogen generator.

[@SteveClark66]

That's a perfect car to get me to work efficiently. Just need the hydrogen infrastructure, but I see they are working on that too

[@tomduke1297]

good to see riversimple still exists, didnt hear anything for many years. good concept, not realy a hydrogen fan, but if you go for energydensity(kWh/kg) to keep it light, batteries cant compete atm. the businessmodel is close enough to a lease, as to not confuse people, i think it can work. ;)

[@StuartFeltham]

I love the business model. What a great idea. I'd totally be up for that provided it made financial sense. I always thought the future was battery not hydrogen, but the way Hugo explains the carrying around heavy elements that aren't needed 80% of the time makes me wonder if batteries aren't the same. A really compelling argument. I'm not keen on the look of the car, but there's time for that to change.

[@Watondelost]

amazing videos, congratulations

[@crossandshoot796]

wow never knew a company like this even existed with someone who thinks this creatively and wisely companies like this should get more social attention

[@AlansWoodworking]

Up until 15 minutes ago, I thought fuel cells were a dead end - cost of producing hydrogen to generate hundreds of KWs, etc, but this changes everything. 11 KW! This was truly eye opening

[@Seb_Sacco]

What a great forward thinking company. Brave and ambitious.

[@timwilliams8299]

Love it. This is the way to go.

[@subrimedzoafin2927]

Excellent, I own a Mirai and its difficult gettinggas in LA where I live, this car means less trips to the gas station which is a plus, but we need the infrastructure.

[@MrPikkoz]

Why less trips to the gas station? this "car" has the same range of the Mirai .

[@Angloman516]

That will grow.

[@nathandscott1]

As a visionary this guy is well beyond Elon Musk, its not just an electric/hydrogen car it’s a model aligning customer, manufacturer to the same goals. Big challenges but wonderful vision. Car itself is well thought out hopefully there’s enough to excite!

[@shandcunt9455]

"it’s a model aligning customer, manufacturer to the same goals" - THIS IS THE GOAL OF EVERY BUSINESS YOU IDIOT - if your business doesn't slign the customers goals with your manufacturing goals - YOU ARE NOT GOING TO SELL PRODUCT....stupidest youtube comment I have read in a while "A-DURR I like this business because they produce things people want"

[@rogerdavies8586]

@@shandcunt9455 What if what you want is not available?

[@shandcunt9455]

@@rogerdavies8586 Well apparently no one wanted to buy these cars

[@rogerdavies8586]

@@shandcunt9455 They're not available yet. When they are, it won't be for sale, as explained in the video.

[@peterpold]

wow, this thing has a sales potential of at least 10 or maybe even as high as 12 pieces a year

[@Chasmodius]

How's the road noise? Effect of wind? cargo space? How well does it handle hills on the highway? It's an exciting idea, and I can't wait to get more details!

[@darlingimscared]

Amazing direction of ethos in production, very today thinking

[@bjornnyland]

There could still be a future in hydrogen cars if they become 2-3 times more efficient than today's Mirai or similar. But personally I think battery powered cars will win the battle because you simply can't just refuel the hydrogen car at home, work or while shopping.

[@Hirotoro4692]

But the video just said it's like 3x more efficient than the Mirai

[@MrAngeloBucciero]

+Bjørn Nyland The only way I will accept Hydrogen cars is if there are laws preventing Hydrogen being made from sources that are non renewable and that they are plug in. If a Volt can be plugin why not the Mirai. I am curious to see what would happen to range if Super Caps were used in the Frunc of a Tesla Model S.

[@EngineeringNibbles]

+Angelo Bucciero that's something i've been wondering, why not have the caps charged and use it for acceleration ? maybe too many engineering hurdles

[@impuls60]

+BillTheBox The energy density is extremely low in capacitors. It's usally 1/10 or worse of li-ion batteries so I guess they only store enough energy to accelerate once or twice. They use them is this application to absorb the rush of energy from regen breaking. It you dumped that amount of joule into such a small batterypack it would overheat and destroy the longevity of a battery pack. The Norwegian Think were delivered with a very small batterypack vs needed power so the battery constantly overheated. The battery on those cars only lived 2-3 years vs the expected 7-10 years the owners were promised. Btw that company also thought people would by their cars since they were "green". The company went bankrupt several times and their cars looked terrible right up to their last model. There is a reason Mr Musk says Tesla will never make an ugly car..

[@EngineeringNibbles]

impuls60 I know how caps work :p I was just wondering why tesla doesn't do this, at peak they are pulling 0,5MW from the batteries instead of from caps charged by braking, and those accelerations really drain the batteries hard

[@thomasleemullins4372]

I would rather buy it instead of having it under contract. I think it is cool and green. I think people - IMO - would rather own their own vehicle than to have it contract their vehicle; something that Americans would own than contract out. the USA is a big country.

[@jochem1986]

Yeah but you as a consumer are not to be trusted when it comes to properly recycling the materials that the car is made of. This is the problem that helps subscription based services.

[@pigknickers2975]

Very clever man this. Like the way he is examining the conventional model and turning it upside down. I am reminded a little of that car in 'Brazil' though.

[@timaustin2000]

Quite extraordinary! I'm famous for being down on Hydrogen Fuel Cells. This is the first car to make me reconsider that - the efficiency of its use of Hydrogen makes it a worthwhile fuel, in this case. Very, very exciting. If I had a few thousand to invest, I'd put it into this company.

[@AndyDavid1970]

+Tim Austin Me, too. I really like Teslas, and what they've done to legitimise electric cars is one of the most significant advances in automotive history. This little car is what happens when you start with a fuel cell and design a car around it. Can't wait to see what happens next -- very exciting times in the automotive industry.

[@therealdjdemond]

Thanks Bobby for helping Riversimple get its message across (to me at least). I've been aware of them for a while and I understood the basics of the business model and that the car was hydrogen powered, but until now I did not realise it is essentially a very lightweight hybrid with capacitors, rather than a "hydrogen-car" in the more conventional sense. Whilst it might seem like heresy here, is there not a place for a vehicle exactly as this one is, but powered by an 11hp petrol engine? Talking about using the technology we have now - a hydrogen infrastructure is not something we have yet.

[@JurisKankalis]

The guy's a fucking genius.

[@MrHSIE]

agreed.

[@smartelectriccar]

At 250 mpg equivalent efficiency, this is almost exactly twice as efficient as the car I commute in, a Smart ED EV. However, the hydrogen fuel production via electrolysis takes 2x the input power to produce compared to the electricity to charge my EV. Meaning, my car has the exact same environmental cost to drive as the Riversimple hydrogen car. And my Smart ED is faster to 100 km/h, cruises comfortably above 120 km/h, is available today, and costs very little to buy and run.

[@recklessroges]

With the name Riversimple and the body styling I thought that was a car+boat hybrid.

[@DummyLooks]

Some people seem to be misunderstanding things. The motors on this car are rated WAY above 11HP. The fuel cell itself puts out 11HP (and can't be recharged), which makes the whole capacitor deal necessary. Most electric cars would not benefit from the capacitor technology simply because their batteries can already give and take all of the necessary energy. The motors are basically the same.

[@staninjapan07]

I love the Fully Charged Show, and this is my favourite feature to date. I am not sure whether I like the look of the car here, but the business model, the technology and the advantages are inspiring. As I am not technically qualified, I do not know whether htis is 'better' than an electric car technically speaking, but the idea of a service contract, presumably meaning that value depreciation is no longer a significant issue, is (at least a small) economic paradigm shift. I am a little unclear on the point made about the lifetime cost having to eaqual (or better) the lifetime cost of a petrol car, though. Thanks, I will be checking out this company, although I suspect that it will be some time before this company - or another doing something similar - will be operational here in Japan. Perhaps Toyota is doing long term leasing of the Mirai.

[@redxsage]

This is the second most appealing report I have seen on an HFCEV. The best covered the Honda Clarity on this very channel!

[@TheVickersDoorter]

It looks like a 1970 car of the future, drawn in the 1940's. I like the BMW i3-style narrow wheels though. Tyres now are ridiculously wide, hence masses more drag and noise.

[@etom2000]

Very interesting story. I didn't like the look of the car in the beginning but changed my mind during the 15 minutes of watching and listening. I think the philosophy of the sales model is truly impressive and wish those guys all the luck needed to grow their model. Thanks for the video

[@spence22]

What an intelligent & articulate man! Brilliant!

[@Flimzes]

Both of them

[@spence22]

Indeed!

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Totally agree

[@DevonMcFarlane]

This is so very awesome. What a legend Hugo is and I'm guessing the journey is far from over

[@funnygazman19]

That guy is a genius. Really smart business mind.

[@jimwilliams1536]

service contract instead of full purchase is the best idea ever.

[@tomj4731]

Great idea...the car and the usage plan

[@martyplay1000]

Can't wait to see the finished car!

[@mrh112]

Seems like a good car but it needs a top speed of at least 75 for motorway use and 4 seats (which they have now looked into), if it had those things I would be interested. The biggest problem at the moment is lack of hydrogen points unless a company comes to your house and refills it after 500 miles or something.

[@vsz5962]

An awesome car. Makes my electric car look like being from the 19th century

[@SephSoliman]

+vs z Ironically hydrogen cars are still electrical cars - they still need an electrical storage device (battery or similar). They just carry around a generator that needs a supply of H2. Your electrical car is simpler and doesn't require a pressurized combustable gas. I'd choose a regular EV any day.

[@NewmanAutomotive]

I really feel for this guy as he's invested so much into this, but it's in the wrong direction. From the Riversimple website: "Our target is to go into production towards the end of 2018 and roll out across the UK town by town, in tandem with hydrogen refilling stations." Unfortunately, herein lies the problem, they've bought into the red herring of hydrogen. There will be no roll out of hydrogen refueling stations. By the end of 2018, 200 plus mile range BEVs with 80% recharge in 20 minutes will be the minimum norm with rapid charging available virtually everywhere due to its low cost of installation. Hydrogen can't compete, it's just a stalling tactic by vested interests...

[@voodoobean1973]

Redefining the rule book ! It's not about how the car looks, it's about how much power it can produce from as little energy as possible and how much it consumes and regenerates and how it uses it to maximum efficiency. The looks and the fancy bells and whistles will come the more cost effective the vehicle becomes allowing designers to spend more on the looks of the vehicle after its perfected power & efficiency & regenerated energy efficiency to maximise the cars driving energy potential.

[@GlennBroadway]

Came here to mock the use of hydrogen, left feeling impressed by the company's truly innovative approach. (Hydrogen is still stupid though)

[@MartianInAHumansBody]

So many innovative ideas from this man and his team. I still hold my concerns about hydrogen production (mainly energy effeciencies vs straight batteries) for the fuel cell, but what this car can do with so little, is just amazing. I think I recall a number of times Tesla looking at capacitors for a hybrid battery/capacitor system, and this certianly seems to prove that aspect can really work great. Maybe after the Model 3, we will see a Tesla with a high capacitor system for acceleration, with individual motors on each wheel, for even better performance. Thanks for showing this Robert and team, it was really quite a show