Prince Charles takes the wheel of a hydrogen-powered car as he visits manufacturer during his week-long trip to Wales.
[Mail Online] The Prince of Wales tested out a hydrogen-powered car when visiting the manufacturer behind the eco-friendly vehicle.Prince Charles, 72, toured Riversimple, a hydrogen-powered car manufacturer in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, as part of his week-long trip to Wales.
The heir to the throne, who donned a protective face covering to combat the spread of the coronavirus, looked sharp in a grey suit with a purple tie for his visit.
On arrival at the company, Prince Charles visited the workshop where he saw a number of vehicles and discovered more about the production process.
The royal spoke to engineers and technicians about the cars, before taking the wheel of a green-coloured Rasa model – which is a lightweight, two-seat electric vehicle powered by hydrogen.
Taking it for a test-drive, Charles heard how the Rasa emits nothing but pure water vapour and is designed to minimise the particulates from tyres and brakes with its low weight, skinny tyres and high regenerative braking.
It has a range of 300 miles and is billed as being ‘light to handle, responsive and fun to drive’ with a ‘nippy 0-60mph in 9.7 seconds’.
The prince, known for his green credentials, was pictured grinning as he emerged from the aerodynamic car after the opening of its sleek hi-tech butterfly doors.
Riversimple is building Rasas for trials with the general public, both in Monmouthshire, where they have installed a refueller in the town centre of Abergavenny, and in Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire.
It is the first in a range of vehicles, including a light commercial van and a family vehicle, that the firm plans to offer to customers on a subscription basis.
Later, the royal met with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage – who had previously written a poem to mark the death of Prince Philip – at his Welsh House in Myddfai, Wales.
The poem, titled The Patriarchs – An Elegy, was published for the first time on the day of the duke’s funeral.
Yesterday, Charles looked in high spirits as he visited Iceland Foods headquarters in north Wales.
The Prince of Wales kick-started day one of his week-long visit to Wales with a visit to the supermarket’s HQ in Deeside.
During the visit, which marked the company’s 50th anniversary, the royal took a tour of the site while learning about Iceland’s sustainability projects, community initiatives and reaction to the pandemic and panic-buying.
The royal was welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd, Henry Fetherstonhaugh and introduced to founder and Executive Chairman, Sir Malcolm Walker, Chief Executive, Tarsem Dhaliwal, Managing Director, Richard Walker and Head of Commercial, Paul Dhaliwal.
Prince Charles looked dapper in a grey checkered suit which he paired with a light purple and zebra-print tie.
During the visit, the royal was seen sitting in a a forklift, before being shown how to operate the heavy piece of machinery by Malcolm Walker, Founder & Executive Chairman.
It comes as the heir to the throne revealed his favourite songs, including tracks by The Three Degrees, as he took part in a special hospital radio broadcast.
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In the driving seat! Prince Charles takes the wheel of a hydrogen-powered car as he visits manufacturer during his week-long trip to Wales, 6 July 2021