Bertrand Piccard is a French aeronaut who managed to drive the hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo for 778 km (483 miles) across France without having to refuel, thus setting a world record.
Yes, there are two C’s in his last name instead of one (shout out to Jean-Luc), but his achievement clearly stands as being very impressive, in turn promoting hydrogen technology as a solution for future mobility, which was the goal all along.
The car initially left the FaHyence hydrogen station on Monday, November 25, and arrived at the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace in Le Bourget the very next day without having to refuel.
Related: Hyundai Nexo And Tucson FCVs Have Racked Up Over 8.4 Million Miles In The U.S.
“With this adventure, we have proven that with clean technologies, we no longer need revolutionary experimental prototypes to break records. Everyone can now do it with standard zero-emission vehicles,” said Piccard. “A new era in performance is beginning, for the benefit of environmental protection.”
After covering the previously-mentioned 778 km, the Nexo displayed a remaining range of 49 km (30 miles). During the drive, several prominent passengers found themselves onboard the Nexo, such as Brono Le Maire (French Minister of Economy and Finance), Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, Price Albert II of Monaco, and a few others.
Hyundai is currently hard at work trying to demonstrate how efficient and clean hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be. Recently, they even recruited an Olympic athlete and had her run on a treadmill while inside a huge bubble connected to the Nexo’s exhaust.
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