Alpine , the French automaker revered for its lightweight sports cars like the A110, is accelerating into an electrifying new era. The company recently announced a major development in its evolution: the creation of Hypertech Alpine, a state-of-the-art research and development facility dedicated to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle (EV) technology.
The brand, known for its precision engineering and motorsport prowess, embraces electrification and is committed to producing high-performance EVs that stay true to its legacy of delivering exhilarating driving experiences. The centerpiece of this transformation? A powerful new electric supercar is rumored to be a game-changer in the EV sports car market.
Hypertech Alpine: The Core of Innovation
At the heart of Alpine’s bold new direction is its Hypertech Alpine facility, located at the iconic Viry-Châtillon Formula 1 engine production site. This isn’t just another research lab; it’s a groundbreaking hub designed to focus exclusively on the development of next-generation EV technologies.
The new R&D center will be Alpine’s innovation epicenter, blending the company’s motorsport expertise with future-focused electric engineering.
Philippe Krief, Alpine’s CEO, emphasized the significance of the Hypertech Alpine facility, calling it a “turning point” for the brand. Krief noted that it would allow Alpine to retain the unique engineering skills honed in its Formula 1 endeavors while expanding into new, cutting-edge automotive technologies.
The center will spearhead Alpine’s efforts to develop ultra-high energy density batteries specifically tailored for supercar applications. These batteries, designed to operate under extreme conditions, will be a key component in Alpine’s upcoming electric supercar, ensuring performance and efficiency at the highest level.
A New Electric Supercar in the Making
Among the most exciting projects underway at Hypertech Alpine is the development of a new electric supercar, internally referred to as the “Future Alpine Supercar.” Although specific details about the vehicle remain under wraps, it is expected to be a showcase of Alpine’s mastery in both performance and design.
The supercar will likely adopt the Ampere electric motors—an innovation of Renault’s new EV division. With Ampere’s advanced technology combined with Alpine’s expertise in crafting agile, lightweight cars, the new supercar promises to deliver on both power and precision.
What makes this future supercar even more intriguing is its potential connection to the Alpenglow HY4 concept, a hydrogen-powered hypercar prototype Alpine unveiled earlier in 2024. While the production version of the new supercar will likely be fully electric, the Alpenglow concept may provide hints about its design language—think futuristic aesthetics, illuminated grilles, and aerodynamic lines.
Alpine’s design chief Antony Villain hinted that the concept was developed with a production car in mind, so it’s reasonable to expect the supercar to carry forward some of the Alpenglow’s bold visual cues.
Solid-State Battery Innovation
One of the key challenges in developing high-performance electric vehicles is the weight and efficiency of the battery packs. Alpine is addressing this head-on with the development of solid-state batteries, which promise to revolutionize EV technology.
These batteries, with ultra-high energy density, are lighter and more efficient than the lithium-ion packs currently dominating the market. For a brand like Alpine, where weight reduction is paramount to performance, this is a critical innovation.
The solid-state batteries being developed at Hypertech Alpine will allow the supercar to deliver rapid acceleration without the burden of heavy battery packs, maintaining Alpine’s tradition of agility and lightness.
This technology is being tested under “extreme operating conditions,” ensuring that the supercar can handle the rigors of high-speed performance while offering competitive range and efficiency.
Motorsport DNA: The Heart of Alpine
While Alpine is transitioning toward electric vehicles, it hasn’t forgotten its motorsport DNA. The Hypertech Alpine facility will continue to support the brand’s motorsport endeavors, including its World Endurance Championship and Dakar Rally teams.
Though the company announced it would cease Formula 1 engine development by the end of the 2025 season, Alpine’s motorsport spirit will live on in its road cars. The same engineers who built Alpine’s F1 engines will now be tasked with developing high-performance EV technology, ensuring that every vehicle Alpine produces carries the same racing pedigree.
A Step Toward Sustainable Supercars
Alpine’s pivot to electric vehicles also aligns with broader industry trends toward sustainability. The upcoming supercar isn’t just about raw performance—it’s a symbol of Alpine’s commitment to greener, more efficient transportation.
The brand’s partnership with Ampere for electric motor development underscores its focus on creating sustainable vehicles without sacrificing the thrill of driving.
The Alpine I110 EV, also under development, will share the same electric platform as the upcoming supercar. Built on Renault’s AmpR Small platform, the I110 will be an all-electric successor to the beloved A110 sports car. This dual development of the I110 and the supercar positions Alpine as a key player in the luxury EV sports car market.
What’s Next for Alpine?
Alpine’s future is brighter than ever. The brand’s dedication to innovation, coupled with its commitment to electrification, places it at the forefront of the next generation of performance vehicles. The new supercar, set to emerge from the Hypertech Alpine facility, will be a testament to Alpine’s ability to adapt and thrive in an electric world.
With initial testing expected to begin soon and the supercar slated for release within a few years, Alpine’s move into the EV space is gaining momentum. For fans of the brand, the prospect of an all-electric supercar from Alpine is thrilling. It promises to deliver the same lightweight agility and performance that has defined Alpine for decades, now paired with cutting-edge electric technology.
In the words of Alpine CEO Philippe Krief, the Hypertech Alpine center represents the brand’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the automotive industry. “This is a turning point in the history of Viry-Châtillon,” he said, “a symbol of Alpine’s innovation and its focus on the future.” And with a high-performance electric supercar in the works, Alpine’s future is not only electric—it’s exhilarating.
Conclusion: Alpine’s Electric Vision
Alpine’s journey from Formula 1 to electric supercars is not just a shift in technology; it’s a bold statement about the future of the brand. By embracing electric powertrains and pioneering solid-state battery technology, Alpine is positioning itself as a leader in the performance EV market.
The upcoming supercar, with its roots in motorsport and its sights set on the future, will be a defining moment for the brand. Whether you’re an Alpine enthusiast or just an admirer of innovation in the auto industry, this next chapter in Alpine’s history is sure to be exciting, fast, and—most importantly—electric.
