Hopium

Hopium, established in 2019 by racing driver Olivier Lombard, has undergone a significant strategic pivot from its original mission. Initially founded to develop and manufacture high-end hydrogen-powered luxury sedans, the company has transitioned to focus exclusively on providing hydrogen fuel cell systems for the heavy-duty mobility sector. This shift was formalized in March 2025 after a period of judicial recovery, which began in July 2023, allowing the company to restructure its debt and receive court approval for its new business plan.

The company's founder, Olivier Lombard, brought extensive experience from the world of motorsports, being the youngest winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in his category and having seven years of experience with hydrogen race cars. This background initially informed the development of the "Māchina," a luxury sedan concept that promised over 500 horsepower and a range of 1,000 km. However, financial pressures and the challenges of bringing a vehicle to market led to the discontinuation of the car project.

Under its revised strategy, Hopium now concentrates on the design and production of modular fuel cell systems, offering solutions ranging from 100 kW to 400 kW. The business model is now B2B, targeting manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, buses, and ships, as well as applications in aerospace. The company asserts that the technology developed for the Māchina has resulted in a fuel cell stack that is more compact and lighter than competing products on the market. Specifically, its 100kW fuel cell weighs under 25kg, which it claims is 30% more compact and 20% lighter than alternatives. The company is now focused on delivering these fuel cell modules to industrial clients, with a deal in place to supply systems for yacht racing support boats.

Keywords: hydrogen fuel cells, heavy-duty mobility, automotive technology, energy transition, B2B supplier, powertrain solutions, decarbonization, sustainable transport, fuel cell systems, maritime power