This is the first electric car powered by methanol fuel cells

The first electric car powered by methanol fuel cells is called Gumpert Nathalie and has revolutionised the Geneva Motor Show. This innovative methanol fuel cell powertrain drives the unconventional electric supercar.

This new Gumpert vehicle is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and can already be reserved.

This revolutionary new model comes from the Chinese company Gumpert Aiways. It is led by Roland Gumpert, former engineer at Audi and is backed by EV Aiways. The company has now gone a step further and has just unveiled the production version of the long-awaited electric vehicle.

The first electric car powered by methanol fuel cells, the Gumpert Nathalie, will have a starting price for its first units of 407,000 euros. This first edition comes with a custom paint finish, among other features.

Gumpert Nathalie, meet the revolutionary electric car

The first units will begin reaching their lucky owners over the course of next year, 2021, but it is important to note that only 500 units of this unique model will be built.

Following its unveiling as a prototype in 2018, the new Gumpert Nathalie is equipped with a fuel cell with a capacity of 15 kWh. It was developed by the Danish brand Serenergy, which is capable of converting methanol into hydrogen.

Some experts in the field have stated that the cell is capable of sending power to a pair of synchronised two-speed gearboxes and from them to the four electric motors located at each wheel respectively. It is capable of delivering a combined power output of 536 CV.

Furthermore, these electric motors are capable of propelling the Nathalie from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and allow it to reach a top speed of 300 km/h. As some sources have reported, “the unusual choice of powertrain allows greater ease of use, eliminating the need to visit specialised hydrogen refuelling stations and with a refuelling time of three minutes, significantly less than even a conventional electric car with faster charging.” Roland Gumpert claims a range of more than 800 kilometres.

It is worth noting that the styling of the production car remains faithful to the concept presented in 2018. The slim headlight clusters, the huge air intakes and the lanky coupé-style silhouette remain, as does the rear spoiler that improves aerodynamic downforce.

However, the concept’s conventional doors have given way to scissor doors in the style of Lamborghini, which are said to be more in keeping with Nathalie’s “supercar DNA”.

Although it is road legal, the Gumpert Nathalie is ready for track use, with a full FIA-approved roll cage in place of rear seats. The extensive use of materials such as linen and carbon fibre ensures maximum lightness. Would you also love to take the wheel?