While the entire automotive industry is more than ever focused on electrical energy, some brands continue to work on hydrogen. In addition to the major manufacturers Toyota, BMW and Hyundai, two new French brands want to market models powered by a fuel cell rather than a powertrain powered solely by electric batteries: Hopium and NamX. The first with a very sporty-looking sedan, the second with an equally dynamic SUV designed in collaboration with the Italians from Pininfarina.
This NamX SUV, whose front end is somewhat reminiscent of certain models from the Genesis range in the United States, will be exhibited at the Paris 2022 World Cup in its concept car form already unveiled in photos a few months ago. With its “coupé” SUV silhouette, the machine hides an original technological concept in its stern: equipped with a conventional dihydrogen tank, it also has six small additional tanks installed under the trunk of the car. These additional tanks can be individually removed and replaced. The idea? Do a bit like with gas cylinders, with hydrogen capsules that you could buy on the market. A way to circumvent the problem of the almost non-existent network in terms of hydrogen distribution points currently in service stations. Of course, these capsules would still have to be widely distributed in stores.
NamX hopes to be able to deliver the production version of its vehicle from the year 2025, with an entry-level rear-wheel drive version of 300 horsepower and a high-end four-wheel drive variant of 550 horsepower. The maximum autonomy of the machine would be around 800 kilometers and the price would range from 65,000 to 95,000€ depending on the version. It would thus be a little more expensive than the electric family SUVs on the current market and would claim a “premium” positioning. Obviously, the hardest part remains to be achieved: setting up an entirely green and carbon-free hydrogen production network, which is currently lacking.
Caradisiac, partner of the Paris Motor Show
As in 2018, Caradisiac is once again a partner in 2022 of the Mondial de l’Auto which will take place in Paris from October 17 to 23. The Caradisiac editorial team will thus be relocated to its own stand for the duration of the show to analyze, dissect, photograph and film all the new models. And this will of course also be an opportunity for you to come, as you are used to, to meet our journalists. Which new or used car to buy? They will answer all your questions. Until then, we will give you on Caradisiac all the information that we could have obtained from the manufacturers on their new models.
Useful information
Where: Paris Exhibition Center, Porte de Versailles
When ? From Tuesday 18 to Sunday 23 October (day reserved for the press on Monday 17)
What hours? From Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22: from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. each day; Sunday, October 23: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
New products will be tested at the show from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
How many ? Two differentiated rates between the week and the weekend for adults (16 € and 20 €); for children aged 7 to 17: €8 and €10 (i.e. 50% reduction).
Free entry for children under 7 years old
How ? By taking tickets following this linkor by connecting to https://mondial.paris/billetterie. Purchase also possible at the reception desks in Pavilion 5.1 (depending on the number of places remaining)
