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Hopium Shifts to Fuel Cell Systems for Heavy Transport
After over a year in receivership, French hydrogen mobility startup Hopium has received court approval for its recovery plan, officially pivoting from luxury hydrogen cars to supplying modular fuel cells for heavy-duty sectors. This decisive shift abandons the failed Machina sedan project, with the company now focusing on 100–400kW fuel cell systems for applications in trucking, maritime, and aerospace.

With a reduced team and cost structure, Hopium plans for full market re-entry by 2028, estimating €30 million in fresh funding needs. The company aims for its upcoming 100kW and 200kW stacks to be significantly smaller and lighter than competitors, a key differentiator for mobility. This strategic refocus aligns Hopium with industrial demand, prioritizing hydrogen tech for emission-intensive industries and reinforcing France's domestic hydrogen development.

Source: https://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/03/26/fuel-cells/hopium-clears-bankruptcy-shifts-gears-from-luxury-hydrogen-cars-to-fuel-cell-systems-for-heavy-transport
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