Hard times for hydrogen technology! While they are of interest to more and more manufacturers (BMW, Volkswagen), fuel cell cars have a mixed development. However, there is no shortage of arguments for this technology, especially in the form of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). For example, they are closer to heat engines in terms of their application and operation.

They have a hydrogen tankwhich must be performed at designated stations. The tank is full in five minutes, versus several tens of minutes for recharging a BEV. Hydrogen is injected into the fuel cell and comes into contact with oxygen creates a chemical reaction that produces electricity. A very simple operation that makes them on paper even more convenient than ordinary electric cars. They are actually lighter because they don’t have large batteries only water molecules are released.

The technology is still in its infancy

But the method of hydrogen production is very polluting – prevents the generalization of the use of this energy, since no means of producing “green hydrogen” have been found. The cost of this technology and the lack of infrastructure also hold back its development. So far only in the category of passenger cars Toyota (Mirai) and Hyundai (Nexo) made a leap Another manufacturer, the French one, caused a sensation during the last one World Cup in Paris in October 2022: Hopium.

This young French startup, created in 2019, exhibited its Machina there. AND an elegant premium electric sedan, with a very bold design. Although it was only a prototype, he already revealed a little more about the next production version. Developer 500 horsepoweraccording to the manufacturer, it could achieve a range of 1000 km. Expected for 2025its selling price should start at around €120,000.

To save Private Hopium

But for this it is necessary that the beauty really came out of the ground! After a promising start, Hopium is in turmoil. The company is desperately short of funds and cash to quietly continue its development, and in particular research and development, in an increasingly competitive market. for maintain your comparative advantage (and get your head out of the water), v Normandy region announced on Friday a exceptional aid in the amount of 2 million euros. It will be a loan at zero interest, so that the startup can restore its financial condition. AND to consider new directions of development. The region does not accidentally intervene. Hopium decided to implement La Machina production site near Vernon, in Ayre (27). Therefore, she can gain a lot in the operation. To revitalize this part of the district of Les Andélis and create dozens of jobs.