Brand Hopi, which considered itself the “Tesla of hydrogen” may reduce its workforce. French company, founded in 2019 year a pilot Oliver Lombard is facing some difficulties and has to reduce its workforce.

2022, full of hope…

We remember their huge stand, mystical and cold, on the occasion of the latter Paris Motor Show last October With an absolutely mysterious (and noisy) soundscape, the Hopium machine was there, on the throne among the crowd of journalists, politicians or just curious people who came to attend his first walk.

A large luxury sedan, more French, noted the spirits. Hopium, which wants to launch its 100% hydrogen car withhere is 2025, made a great impression. The brand was also signed in the process exclusive contract with Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance (CACF), which announced a record figure of 10,000 orders from 2025.

But things can change for Hopium at the start of the year, and they will even forced to reduce its workforce!

So, here is the Hopium Machina prototype, a 500 hp French hydrogen sedan. Many questions, few answers, but the car is beautiful. First prize announced: 120,000 euros. pic.twitter.com/obbF6gt84B

— Vincent Desmonts 🇺🇦 (@VincentDesmonts) June 17, 2021

A new strategic plan for 2023?

Last Friday, the company presented a press release in which it indicates the possibility of reducing the wage fund. French startup analyzes the structure of its funding and costs, which may lead to a reduction in the payroll after a significant period of hiring, which allowed to intensify research and development efforts“. ” This reduction will depend on the final contours of the strategic plan, which is currently being developed.“.

The young company, which employed only 54 people a little over a year ago, grew to 126 employees at the end of June 2022. In order to survive and recoup its costs, Hopium can reduce this figure.

We will remind you that in December of last year, the evolution of the company’s organizational chart took place. Racer Oliver Lombard, was appointed Deputy General Manager in charge of Machina. Hopium also appointed two experienced executives as General Manager and Deputy General Manager of the brand.

The company also announced shortly before the Paris Motor Show, construction of a plant in Normandy, near Vernon. This should be used to produce their large hydrogen sedan from 2024.

Selling your fuel cell license to survive?

The company is currently studying various scenarios, including the sequence and timing of commercialization of Hopium Machina, and the possibility of commercializing or licensing its fuel cells firstHopium said.

The firm also states that ” estimates that it can meet its anticipated funding needs until June 30, 2023 ” and ” continues to explore other sources of funding (…), including by going to the market and/or through industry partnerships“.

On the Paris Stock Exchange, the value of the share launched at the end of 2020 has quadrupled. It returned to the initial value of 6.43 euros.