Hydrogen: French companies Hopium and NamX present at the Paris Motor Show

Both brands plan to launch their hydrogen model in 2025.

Based in France, the companies Hopium and NamX are each developing a hydrogen car on their own. They will display them at the Paris Motor Show, which will be held at Porte de Versailles from October 17 to 23.

Hopium, which became known before NamX, is working on a large sedan called Machina. A year after presenting its first running prototype, the company revealed a concept of the car. It will be showcased at the Paris Motor Show, but not the final model. The latter is expected to hit the market in 2025. It should cost around €120,000. Hopium aims for a power of over 500 hp, a top speed of 230 km/h, and a range of 1,000 km. By way of comparison, a Toyota Mirai — one of the few hydrogen vehicles currently on sale — can travel 650 km on a full tank of hydrogen.

A hydrogen SUV rather than a sedan for NamX

Meanwhile, NamX unveiled its hydrogen SUV project in May 2022. The vehicle, named HUV, was developed with the help of Pininfarina. It features a main tank and 6 removable capsules at the rear, intended to make refueling easier. The total range reaches 800 km. Like the Hopium Machina, the HUV is currently just a concept. The final vehicle is expected to launch in 2025. NamX plans to market 2 versions: an entry-level front-wheel-drive with 300 hp, and a four-wheel-drive version with 550 hp. Prices will range between €65,000 and €95,000.

What future for hydrogen-powered cars?

The hydrogen car market is currently in its infancy, with only 2 models available: the Hyundai Nexo and the Toyota Mirai. At present, the technology is very costly and not so environmentally virtuous, as hydrogen production consumes a lot of energy. Additionally, there are very few hydrogen stations. It is therefore a bold gamble that NamX and Hopium are attempting.

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