System performance validated (TRL7) - Hopium reaches the final milestone before commercialisation of the 100 kW hydrogen fuel cell system
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The road tests were carried out on the UTAC circuit and, from the very first laps, the battery system proved its robustness, enabling a series of uninterrupted test sessions. The validation programme included dynamic cycles on the road circuit (strong acceleration and deceleration, vibrations) and tests on the speed ring (high speed, thermal cycling, fine weather and rain), corresponding to the cycles used by heavy goods vehicles.
These tests confirm the robustness and reliability of the hydrogen propulsion system developed by Hopium. They also validate the operation of the Hopium fuel cell system in a real-life environment, i.e. a TRL7 level of maturity. This crucial milestone represents significant progress towards the company's objective of offering a solution for the decarbonisation of heavy transport.
‘We're delighted to have reached this milestone. It's the result of several years of R&D, but also of all the expertise and know-how of our teams since the inception of Hopium. I would like to sincerely thank them and salute their hard work and commitment, because without them, none of this would have been possible’, says Stéphane Rabatel, CEO of Hopium.
‘These tests validate not only the quality of our fuel cell technology, but also our commitment to low-carbon, responsible mobility. Many partners and customers have been waiting for this confirmation to go further with us. We are now on the verge of commercialising our system, which has enormous potential for a wide range of applications.
Following the many discussions at the Hydrogen Business for Climate Forum on 1 and 2 October, Hopium has confirmed its development strategy, initially targeting niche markets such as the K-Challenge maritime project, in order to finance the industrialisation of its battery system, which will enable it to lower its manufacturing costs and offer a competitive alternative to diesel for the heavy transport market by 2028-2030.
Hopium will be devoting the next few months to stepping up discussions with a view to acquiring a stake in its capital from a major industrial player to support its forthcoming developments, in particular the installation of its automated assembly line at its new site in Saint-Bonnet-de-Mure and the finalisation of its 200 kW system, made up of two 100 kW fuel cells, in an industrial version for heavy goods vehicles.
Hopium embodies expertise and commitment to pushing back the boundaries of sustainable mobility. Thanks to its advanced fuel cell system, the company offers a low-carbon alternative to diesel engines, meeting the expectations of industry as well as the needs of the heavy transport sector, without compromising on performance and range.