A fuel cell vehicle runs on a motor powered by electricity. This electricity, instead of coming from a battery like in the electric car, is produced onsite by a hydrogen fuel cell. It is a device that uses hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, and generates electricity from it while the car is running.
There is much speculation about the future of mobility. Whether it is electric, hydrogen or a combination of both is still unknown. Today, we already see most car manufacturers producing electric vehicles, and a few are producing hydrogen cars. Honda and Toyota both have hydrogen models in the market, the Honda Sensing and the Toyota Mirai.
A more futuristic high-end approach is presented by the Italian design company Icona, who recently received the 2019 German Design Award for its NUCLEUS model. The German Design Award is one of the most renowned worldwide design competitions and enjoys an excellent reputation. In March 2018, in Geneva, Switzerland, Icona presented the Nucleus to the world. Nucleus represents the synthesis of futurism and the human-centered mindset. It embodies Icona’s vision for the future of mobility. Nucleus offers autonomous driving level five, a propulsion electric AWD with 600 horsepower and a hydrogen range extender or auxiliary power unit that allows the vehicle to have a combined range of 745 miles.
The Nucleus can comfortably accommodate six people. Seats in the front can be adjusted for different uses, either rotating to face the desk or the rear passengers or strongly reclining to the rear and even transforming into a couch in the center. The large seats in the front and the back make it as comfortable and cozy as a luxury living room. In the Nucleus all occupants are passengers, and the road is there but it is no longer the focus. Like traveling by air or train, this first-class traveling lounge allows flexibility of movement for everyone. The Infotainment guided by the car’s computer, a wet bar, and laptop connections are sure to indulge all passengers whether they are on a business or leisure trip. This luxury car was inspired by both the Concorde jet and luxury yachting. All around, it is luxury and sophistication.
Founded in Turin, Italy in 2010, Icona is responsible for the style and design of the Nucleus. The company partners with two sector leaders: Tecnocad Progetti for the engineering and Cecomp for the manufacturing. These two partners are also shareholders of the company, together with Teresio Gigi Gaudio, President, and CEO of Icona. The Icona Group works with more than 130 people, including designers, modelers, engineers and project managers from 21 different countries with offices in Shanghai and Los Angeles, in addition to the Turin headquarters. In 2018, Icona’s revenues will exceed 22 million Euros with a 22% increase over 2017.
Icona Teresio Gigi Gaudio Chairman-President and shareholder