At the Viva Technology event in Paris last week, Hopium, a French startup focusing on hydrogen-powered vehicles, unveiled its first rolling sedan prototype and opened the first 1000 pre-orders for the production version called Machina. The Alpha 0 prototype, produced in the company’s Linas-Montlhéry test workshop, is meant to certify the reliability of the production fuel cell system.
The reveal is a key step in the manufacturer’s roadmap on the road to the high-end production vehicle first announced in October 2020. The aim of Hopium is for it to be the first French hydrogen-powered sedan to hit the market in 2026. One of the 1000 vehicles can be reserved for €410, the number referencing the spectral line of hydrogen.
The prototype was refined through bench and track tests at speeds up to 200 km/h (124 mph), close to the promised performance for the production Machina in its final form. Alpha 0 also introduces the signature lighting and emblem of Hopium, shapes inspired by the stratification of hydrogen and the movement of waves on water.
Hopium was founded by Olivier Lombard, the youngest winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as a manufacturer of high-end hydrogen-powered vehicles. Lombard is one of the world’s most experienced hydrogen-powered racers, the open-air laboratory of racing inspiring Lombard and his team to reflect on new mobility solutions to meet today’s environmental challenges.
Investors have also been lining up in support of the company and its mission. In February, Hopium announced a capital raise of €5 million.
“I would like to thank the investors and partners who are carrying this project by my side,” said Lombard, Hopium Chairman and CEO. “They are choosing the future and strengthening us with their experience. This step will help structure the company furthermore by operating additional key recruitments while finalizing the development of the first rolling prototype of Hopium Machina.”
His company is positioning itself as a player to combat climate change, focusing on a transportation sector it says is responsible for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions.
In January, Hopium revealed the platform underpinning the Machina, its first model. Upfront is the fuel-cell system that integrates the stacks and balance-of-plant to generate the electricity needed to power the vehicle. The storage tanks can hold more than 6 kg (13.2 lb) of hydrogen and be filled in only 3 min. Contributing to Machina’s performance are batteries, whose volume has been limited as much as possible while maintaining optimal efficiency.
Hopium expects the platform to help Machina set the standard for a new generation of hydrogen vehicles, combining ergonomics, power output, endurance, and sustainability. The company has goals of more than 500 hp (373 kW), a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph), and more than 1000 km (620 mi) of range.
The company has brought together a team of experts and partners at the forefront of innovation in hydrogen fuel cells, technology, and automotive engineering to address the challenge.
Helping Lombard meet his goals for Hopium and the Machina are Felix Godard, Chief Design Officer; Juliette Portefaix, Project Management Officer; and Ivan Tortet, Chief Financial Officer; supported by Wolfgang Tuechsen; Head of Studio Engineering; Fabien Guimard, Head of Fuel Cell System; and Jérémy Marliot, Head of Tests.
Announced in May, one of the partnerships is with Plastic Omnium to develop Machina’s hydrogen storage system. It will be equipped with a 700-bar (10.2-ksi) Type IV (composite high-pressure comprising a thermoplastic liner reinforced with a carbon-fiber shell winding) vessel made by Plastic Omnium at its Herentals plant in Belgium. Based on almost 40 patents and a range of in-house developed hydrogen storage vessels, the new generation will be better integrated into the vehicle chassis to maximize hydrogen storage and achieve the ambitious target range.
“With Hopium, we are convinced of hydrogen’s major role in tomorrow’s sustainable mobility,” said Laurent Favre, Chief Executive Officer of Plastic Omnium. “Plastic Omnium is proud to provide its expertise in hydrogen technologies and help develop the Hopium Machina storage system, an innovative project for low-carbon mobility.”
In support of its production ambitions, Hopium launched a California-based subsidiary called UNA to integrate blockchain technology into the development of its hydrogen vehicle—for a claimed first in the automotive industry. Through the subsidiary, the company says it intends to harness emerging technologies to serve both mankind and nature by contributing to the decarbonization of the blockchain while serving the automotive sector through an encrypted ultra-secure and decentralized data system.
With an emphasis on ethics and transparency, UNA counts among its key partners Hyperledger. The subsidiary aims to leverage next-generation technologies to build a blockchain ecosystem capable of exceeding expectations, providing a strong response to the challenges of the sector, and helping to define the automotive standards of tomorrow.
A team of developers and experts is currently working on the first phase of the UNA project. It will integrate access to precise data on the ecological impact of vehicles, the creation of a personalized digital passport, a registration of ownership offering optimal security, and traceability of the supply chain.
