The automotive industry is in its most challenging decade. Every day, automakers are making headlines for their efforts to lower their carbon footprints. While BEVs are becoming more common because of the ease of installing charging stations, hydrogen-powered cars are limited and lagging. Yet, a French start-up manufacturer aims to change the narrative. Meet the Hopium Machina, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered four-door coupe unveiled this week at the 2022 Paris Motor Show.
The Hopium Machina Could be a Threat to the EQS and the i7
The Machina Vision is a concept we did not expect to arrive at the Paris Motor Show. It is just a different breed of car with a hydrogen-run powertrain. This $118,000 luxury FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) will offer 620 miles of range and is the most efficient hydrogen-powered vehicle on the planet. Everything about the Machina is unique, showcased by the sedan's sleek exterior. Both the headlights and the taillights have the same liquid-flowing-down effect, which is not something we have seen until now.
Additionally, you'll see the tiny intake grille holes for cooling the hydrogen system and batteries, which are expected to remain in the production-spec vehicle. The prototype also sports cameras instead of rearview mirrors, and the sides also expose the lower ground clearance, along with the aero wheels. In addition, the notchback rear seems more aerodynamic than many popular EVs.
The Machina does look flamboyant on the outside, and no less so on the interior. This sexy new sedan will seat only four passengers, and the seats look very sporty and reminiscent of the Lotus Eletre. The steering wheel and the dashboard design are totally unique. There is just one display stretched across the dash, and it comes with haptic controls.
The Hopium Machina is in the Small World of FCEVs
We have only one hydrogen EV in the U.S., the Toyota Mirai, and BMW is working closely with Toyota for the iX5 Hydrogen SUV, which will probably be uncovered by 2025. Fuel cell-powered cars are not known for their performance, but the Hopium Machina will include electric motors on both axles to produce 493 horsepower, though little else is known about the Machina's platform. Hopium claims that the Machina can do 62 mph from a standstill in five seconds and will hit the limiter at 143 mph.
By 2025, Hopium intends to build a factory in Normandy where it hopes to produce up to 20,000 examples of Machina annually. It remains to be seen if the Machina and its limited hydrogen-powered ilk will catch on.