One year after its world debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Gumpert Nathalie methanol fuel cell car has become a reality.

The German sports car manufacturer owned by China’s Aiways has unveiled the Nathalie First Edition, which marks the production start of the world’s first vehicle 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,” says Roland Gumpert, CEO Gumpert Aiways.

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Compared to last year’s prototype, the Nathalie First Edition brings some evolutionary changes, including the doors which are now of the scissor type. The proportions of the vehicle have been further refined, with the Nathalie First Edition sporting sharper front and side lines, as well as slightly increased dimensions “in exactly the right places.”

While the prototype featured a carbon skin, the production model makes use of biological lightweight materials like flax, which makes up 50 percent of the bodywork. Interestingly, Roland Gumpert collaborated closely not only with head of design Lorenz Loew but also Aiways’ chief design advisor Ken Okuyama.

The powertrain consists of a 15 kW Methanol-Fuel-Cell producing hydrogen from methanol and converting it into electricity. As a result, the Nathalie operates in city traffic and on long-distance drives without using the buffer battery at all. The overall system energy capacity (Methanol-Fuel-Cell plus buffer battery) is 178 kWh while the system power is 400 kW (536 HP / 544 PS).

Refueling the 65-liter (17.2-gallon) methanol tank takes three minutes and Gumpert Aiways says no special infrastructure is needed, as the Nathalie runs on commercially available methanol. With a full tank, the sports car can cover 820 km (510 miles).

Performance-wise, we’re looking at a hypercar level of acceleration, with the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint taking 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Two synchronized 2-speed gearboxes and an all-wheel-drive system contribute to the stellar performance.

Gumpert Aiways will only build 500 Nathalie models (including the First Edition), each priced from €407,000 ($455,000) ex-factory. Deliveries begin in the first half of 2021.

 

536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000
536 HP Gumpert Nathalie ‘First Edition’ Methanol Fuel Cell Sports Car Costs $455,000