Production of the first methanol fuel cell car, Nathalie, begins
Gumpert AIWAYS, led by CEO, Engineer and Chief Developer Roland Gumpert,
presented the first production car of the ‘Roland Gumpert Nathalie –
powered by a Methanol-Fuel-Cell that produces hydrogen and electricity.
“It was my vision of an electric car that does not stop when the battery is empty that paved the way for this innovation. Today, one year later, we’re able to present to you the world’s first production car with a Methanol-Fuel-Cell which does not rely on charging stations or designated hydrogen stations,” said Roland Gumpert, CEO Gumpert AIWAYS.
There are some evolutionary changes in comparison to last year’s prototype version. One of the most significant changes are the doors. True to its supersport car genes the doors of the new Supersports coupé are designed as scissor doors.
“The continued development from show car to series production gives the designer the opportunity to question his own creation, to further develop unique and important elements and to balance the aesthetics of the entire design. During the development of the design for the production model of the Nathalie, technical boundaries helped to refine the proportions of the vehicle and to sharpen the front and side lines. The vehicle has grown in exactly the right places. A perfect interplay of design and technic,” said Lorenz Loew, Head of Design Ideenion for Gumpert AIWAYS.
Overall this project emphasises the technology leadership of Roland Gumpert’s cars even further. They are a unique inspiration for the volume models of the AIWAYS group like AIWAYS’ U6. This close collaboration between Chief Developer Roland Gumpert, Head of Design Lorenz Loew and AIWAYS perfectly shows the forward-looking effectiveness of the Ingolstadt based German- Chinese joint venture.
The progressive use of biological light-weight materials like flax are playing an important role as well. In contrary to the carbon skin that was used for the prototype, the “First Edition” has been built with 50% of flax.
The production model is equipped with a 15kW Methanol-Fuel-Cell producing hydrogen from methanol and converting it into electricity. This enables the car to operate in city traffic and on long distance drives without using the buffer battery at all. The overall system energy capacity comprised of a Methanol Power Cell combined with a 65l tank and the buffer battery of 190 kWh.
Refuelling of the car only takes three minutes with no special infrastructure needed. The car accelerates from 0-100 in 2,5 seconds and has a top speed of 300 km/h owed to two synchronised 2-speed gearboxes.
As expected from Roland Gumpert, the car is ready for the racetrack. A FIA approved roll cage and the all-wheel drive train guarantee the necessary performance. The car can be refueled with commercially available Methanol. For the first year after delivery the supply is free for customers.
For customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland an overnight delivery service is already established and is also currently rolled out all over Europe. For Northern America and Middle East the supply chain is being built. Field marketing specialists FMS, part of the internationally operating Advantage Smollan Group, are responsible for organisation and distribution.
The Nathalie ‘First Edition’ is a special edition for the product launch. The extensive special equipment and special exterior paint is included in the base price of the first series of cars. Global market price is €407,000 ($451,770) ex-factory. The ‘First Edition’ is a strictly limited edition within the Nathalie-range. Globally there are only 500 units available – including the “First Edition. The first cars are available for delivery the first half of 2021.
