The Prince of Wales tested out a hydrogen-powered car today 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.
The Prince of Wales tested out a hydrogen-powered car today when visiting the manufacturer behind the eco-friendly vehicle (pictured)
Prince Charles (pictured driving), 72, toured Riversimple, a hydrogen-powered car manufacturer in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, as part of his week-long trip to Wales
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.
The heir to the throne (pictured), 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 (pictured) visited the workshop where he saw a number of vehicles and discovered more about the production process
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.
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.
The royal spoke to engineers and technicians about the cars, before taking the wheel of a Rasa car – which is a lightweight, two-seat electric car powered by hydrogen
It is the first of a range of vehicles that Riversimple plans to offer customers, and the only emission from these sustainable cars is water. Pictured, Prince Charles talks to staff during his visit
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.
The Prince of Wales (left) is introduced to Welsh Secretary Simon Hart and Welsh Senedd member Fay Jones (right), who once worked for him at Clarence House, during his visit to hydrogen powered car manufacturer Riversimple
Prince Charles speaks with staff members as he visits Riversimple today, in Llandrindod Wells
The Prince of Wales test drives a Rasa hydrogen-powered car during a visit to Riversimple
To celebrate the 73rd birthday of the NHS, Prince Charles, who will celebrate his own 73rd birthday in November, pre-recorded the programme in which he discussed songs which spark fond memories from his lifetime.
One of his favourites is Givin’ Up, Givin’ In, which The Three Degrees performed at his 30th birthday.
It is a song which, Charles said, ‘used to provide me with an irresistible urge to get up and dance’.
He also chose Don’t Rain On My Parade by Barbra Streisand, who he first met in 1974 when she performed for him on the set of her film Funny Girl.
Other tracks included La Vie En Rose by Edith Piaf and Thou Who Gavest, by Arwel Hughes, who organised the music for Charles’s 1969 investiture as the Prince of Wales. The Music And Memories programme was broadcast in 180 hospitals at noon.