With the petrol engine seemingly entering its twilight years, a host of companies are seizing opportunities in the automotive market.

Google and Apple are focusing on driverless technology. Tesla is focussing on electric powertrains. And meanwhile, established car makers are working hard to keep up with the demand for electric, hybrid-electric and autonomous systems.

The latest company aiming to take advantage of new automotive opportunities is Edison Motor Cars, a consortium comprising Sunvault Energy, the Edison Power Company and Delaware Corporation.

The partnership is currently developing a new luxury supercar powered by a graphene-based hydrogen fuel cell. It's called the Edison Electric One and its makers say it will outperform the Tesla P85D – and even the Ferrari 488 GTB.

The car will show off the potential of the firm’s graphene-integrated hydrogen fuel cell technology, and will be able to hit 62mph from standstill in an astonishing two seconds.

Running on water?

Robert Murray-Smith, Director of Sunvault Energy, said: "The fuel cell will be powered by an on-demand hydrogen generation unit built into the car and will only require water."

The car will also be rechargeable in five minutes.

Sunvault Energy Chief Executive Officer Gary Monaghan, said: "We are excited to be producing this truly revolutionary automobile that will put our Graphene Energy Storage Device front and centre on the world stage at the simple turn of a key.

"The Electron One will not only be able to challenge any vehicle in performance, but will also be fully flexible, functional and convenient, just as a fuel-filled vehicle is today.”

If the acceleration figure and recharge time are correct, the Edison Electron One would be truly revolutionary.

And if it can run entirely on water, oil companies will be very worried indeed.

The car will be available in 2016 on a special order basis only.

By Craig Hindmarsh