Hopium opens order books for Alpha O powered by H2

The French startup Hopium has unveiled the prototype of its debut vehicle, a hydrogen-powered sedan. The fuel cell vehicle called Alpha O is to be produced on an “industrial scale” in future, and the company here reveals the first details.

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On its website, Hopium cites an output of more than 500 hp (about 370 kW) as initial key data for its platform, with a top speed of 230 km/h. On one tank of fuel, the vehicle is expected to achieve a range of more than 1,000 kilometres.

With the unveiling of the prototype, Hopium has also opened reservations for the first 1,000 units of the model. The downpayment for the pre-order is 410 euros.

Created under the working name Alpha 0 in an experimental workshop in Linas-Montlhéry, south of Paris, the prototype vehicle was announced in October last year and completed within eight months. According to the company, in the development process, a design and architecture phase was followed by the implementation of the various components in the vehicle, then evaluation through dyno and track tests.

Hopium’s founder is Olivier Lombard is reportedly the youngest winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Hopium is part of the Hydrogen Motive Company, also founded by Lombard.

The company says it plans a more detailed presentation of its FCEL Alpha O in Q1 2022.

Update 18 October 2022

After its digital presentation, the French start-up Hopium has now presented its planned hydrogen sedan Machina as a real concept car for the first time at the Paris Motor Show. After the first 1,000 examples of the Machina have already been pre-ordered, Hopium is now opening reservations once again.

Hopium is aiming to build an industrial site in Normandy for the development and production of its Machina H2 sedan, as previously reported. Commissioning of the Vernon plant is planned for the end of 2024. First deliveries of the Machina are scheduled for the end of 2025.

prnewswire.com, prnewswire.com (update)