After presenting a first prototype of its Machina in June 2021, the very young brand Hopium announces that 1,000 customers have already come forward to acquire this high-end hydrogen sedan invoiced at 120,000 € and available in 2025. Meeting with the pilot and founder, Olivier Lombard.
Tesla’s success has been emulated! More and more new brands are emerging on the automotive world with the idea of offering innovative and different products. In France, we saw the birth of Devinci and its electric roadsters, Vision Automobiles and its sports car 1789 or even Delage and its road F1. In June 2021, the young pilot Olivier Lombard swapped his jumpsuit for a tuxedo, the time to present his brand Hopium and the fruit of his research: the Machina Alpha 0.
Tesla owners in the sights
Nine months after the announcement of the birth of the brand, in October 2020, Hopium presented with great fanfare its first hydrogen prototype and opened the pre-order book for its sedan. ” It was a real tour de force », Confided to us the 30-year-old who had the idea of this vehicle after having drawn up an inventory of the current automobile market and developed a hydrogen racing car for 7-8 years (note: LMPH2G prototype of Green GT). “ There was no hydrogen vehicle that interested me, so I was like ‘there is something to do’ », Explains the youngest winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He believes that the experience acquired in the race has enabled him to have ” credibility with regard to this technology “. With this vehicle, it targets Tesla buyers of course, but also enthusiasts of new technologies. ” I would also like us to be able to impact the younger generations who will be the future buyers of this type of technology. », He confided to Argus.
The first 1,000 copies already all reserved
For the moment, affording the Hopium Machina is not within the reach of all budgets. However, the vehicle invoiced at 120,000 € (almost twice as much as a Toyota Mirai) is no longer available. The 1,000 numbered copies, put on sale in June against a deposit of 410 €, have all already found buyers. ” This transaction represents on-board revenue of 120 million euros by 2025, the expected date of vehicle delivery. », Details the Hopium press release. If the brand did not mention the name of any lucky owner, the boss of Hopium assured us that most of its private investors are among the first buyers. ” By reserving their model first, they showed both their support for our project and their enthusiasm for hydrogen technology, the energy source of the future. “
Hopium announces that the first 1000 Machina have been reserved.
Hydrogen, a sustainable solution for Hopium
” For me, electricity is a transitional technology. While hydrogen is a long-lasting solution for the future », Assures Olivier Lombard. ” Hopium wants to pave the way in terms of mobility and then democratize this technology which allows to have super performance. », He assures us. Its 4-seater GT, designed by Felix Godard, a former Tesla and Porsche driver, delivers 500 hp and is capable of traveling 1,000 km. It would take no more than 3 minutes to fill up with hydrogen. As long as you find a pump! To this day, they are still very rare with around thirty installations (only!) On the national territory.
Technically speaking, all the architecture and design of the Machina are “ made in Hopium, specifies the young founder who is none other than a member of the family that owns the Moulin Rouge. At 1er quarter 2022, the brand will open a new chapter in its history. For now, the teams are working on the evaluation and improvement of the 1er prototype which has already reached 200 km / h at the Linas-Montlhéry autodrome (91). ” Performances that border on those promised by the Hopium Machina in its final version », Assures the young builder. To be continued …
