Riversimple, known for creating the hydrogen-powered Rasa driven by King Charles when he was the Prince of Wales, has announced a new project that could revolutionize motoring. The company is utilizing nearly 30-year-old Audi A2 hatchbacks as 'mule cars' under the codename Runabout to test and refine innovative systems. This venture comes amid rising demand for alternative fuels due to increasing petrol and diesel prices linked to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. Riversimple is set to receive £1.7 million in grant funding from the UK government's DRIVE35 (Driving Research & Investment in Vehicle Electrification) program, which aims to support the automotive industry with £2.5 billion in capital and research funding. Founder Hugo Spowers MBE emphasized that the project demonstrates the potential for zero-emission vehicles to be lightweight and efficient. King Charles has a personal connection to alternative fuels; he owns a vintage Aston Martin DB6 Volante converted to run on a mixture of 85% bioethanol and 15% unleaded petrol, derived from waste products. Additionally, he has recently ordered a £160,000 Lotus Eletre SUV, reflecting his commitment to electric vehicles.