The eye-catching sedan is an elegant and luxurious four-seater that looks like something out of a science fiction film
April 24, 2024 at 7:56 p.m
- The small French manufacturer had originally planned to start producing the car in 2025.
- Late last year, Hopium shifted its focus to selling hydrogen fuel cells.
- The Machina Vision has a stated range of 620 miles.
Hardly anything has been heard about the French Hopium Machina Vision since it was introduced in near-production form at the 2022 Paris Motor Show. But at the recent Car // Design Event 2024 in Munich, the hydrogen-powered electric sedan reappeared and captivated a room full of fascinated visitors.
With the electrified era just around the corner, new and innovative cars are being brought onto the market at a rapid pace. All too often, however, these new offerings bear a striking resemblance to existing vehicles on the market. The same cannot be said for the creation of the Hopium, as it features a bold and futuristic design that is unrivaled by any other model on the road.
Read: $118,000 Hopium Machina Hydrogen EV can complete a refill in 3 minutes for a range of 620 miles
These photos from the design event in Munich give us an excellent opportunity to see all the intricate details of the car. The fascinating LED headlights immediately catch the eye, as does the large front grill. The curved LED taillights and the rear grill also complement the front apron wonderfully.
The interior of the Machina Vision is also impressive. A huge screen dominates the width of the dashboard, while four slim, sporty seats provide comfortable seating. The curved transmission tunnel and center console complete the design and create a visually impressive and cohesive environment.
Photos Car // Design Event 2024
Hopium states that the futuristic sedan’s integrated fuel cell system produces 493 horsepower (500 horsepower), enables a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h) and accelerates to 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than five seconds. It also has a range of more than 1,000 km and emits nothing but water. In addition, the energy can be replenished in a record-breaking time of just three minutes.
However, making it to the assembly line will be a challenge. In November last year, the company halted its plans to bring the car to market and announced that it would instead initially focus on selling hydrogen fuel cells.
However, the company only generated revenue of 7,000 euros (~$7,500) in the first half of 2023, despite spending almost 24.7 million euros (~$26.3 million). The company also laid off 25 employees last year. Like so many other automotive startups, Hopium has recognized how difficult it is to gain a foothold in this challenging and constantly evolving market.