As we edge closer to electromobility, carmakers are putting everything they have into the research and development of battery-powered vehicles. Just recently, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance announced that it will be investing a further $23 billion into the electric car sphere. With big budgets and large teams, these firms cannot afford to be left behind. But what about the smaller companies?

Founded in 2009, Briggs Automotive Company, better known as BAC, is a small, Liverpool, England-based carmaker that produces the Mono, a single-seat sports car. The manufacturer recently announced that it won't be left behind, with the development of hydrogen powertrain technology to jettison its vehicles into the future.

Working in partnership with Viritech, developers of hydrogen powertrain technology, BAC's Mono supercar will serve as the basis of the project. The duo is looking to implement hydrogen technology in the niche vehicle market, allowing the transition to zero emissions by 2030. BAC notes the Mono fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) will be led by the company's principles of uncompromising performance and driver experience.

Virtech has won the Niche Vehicle Network Feasibility Study Grant and, through this funding, will conduct a feasibility study into developing a hydrogen powertrain for applications such as the Mono. BAC says key elements of Virtech's powertrains are "H2 optimized energy management systems, structural pressure vessels, and lightweight energy stores."

In exploring alternative power solutions for a net-zero future, BAC hopes to maintain low mass for its cars, which plays a large role in overall driving dynamics. Lightweight construction is, of course, a mainstay of BAC's vehicles.

"We are delighted to be working with Viritech and their ground-breaking approach to FCEV," said BAC co-founder and Director of Product Development Neill Briggs. "Technology has always been at the forefront of our development, and we remain committed to exploring new automotive innovations within all that we do. Alternative fuels, along with lightweight construction methods, [and] reduces vehicle emissions considerably without compromising driver engagement, something we are committed to preserving at BAC."

While most carmakers are going the battery-powered route, there are a handful of companies offering hydrogen-powered vehicles. Perhaps the best-known example is Toyota's elegantly-styled Mirai. The fuel-cell electric vehicle is just one of three models currently offered in the US, joining the Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell and the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.