Top 5 Hydrogen Vehicle Startups Making Waves in Europe

Cars powered by hydrogen represent a significant advancement in automotive technology, focusing on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

These vehicles utilize hydrogen fuel cells to convert hydrogen gas into electricity, which then powers an electric motor. This process is highly efficient and produces only water vapor as a byproduct, making hydrogen-powered cars an appealing alternative to traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles that emit greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

The technology behind hydrogen fuel cells involves a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, where hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks and released into the fuel cell stack. Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen molecules are split into protons and electrons.

The electrons travel through an external circuit, generating electricity that powers the vehicle, while the protons move through a membrane to combine with oxygen from the air, ultimately producing water and heat.

Video by Riversimple Hydrogen Car

European hydrogen vehicle companies are advancing hydrogen-powered transportation, aiding in sustainable mobility, and reducing automotive carbon emissions. This diverse landscape includes manufacturers focusing on fuel cell systems, hydrogen production, and infrastructure development.

Below is the list of current hydrogen vehicle companies in Europe:

NamX

NamX is a French-Moroccan startup specializing in hydrogen-powered vehicles. Its flagship model, the NamX HUV (Hydrogen Utility Vehicle), is a hydrogen-powered coupe SUV designed in collaboration with the renowned Italian design firm Pininfarina. The HUV features a unique system of six interchangeable hydrogen tanks that supplement a main tank, providing a range of approximately 800 kilometers. This innovative approach enables quick and convenient refueling by exchanging the removable tanks at designated stations, addressing the current scarcity of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Production of the NamX HUV is set to begin in 2025. Learn more

Hopium

Founded in 2019 by French racing driver Olivier Lombard, Hopium is a French automobile manufacturer dedicated to hydrogen-powered vehicles. Its premier model, the Hopium Māchina Vision, is a luxury hydrogen fuel cell electric sedan unveiled at the 2022 Paris Motor Show. The Māchina Vision boasts a top speed of 230 km/h and a range of 1,000 kilometers, with refueling times comparable to conventional gasoline vehicles. Hopium plans to commence production in 2025, with an estimated price of €120,000. Learn more

Riversimple

Riversimple is a UK-based car manufacturer focused on hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles. Based in Wales, the company developed the Riversimple Rasa, a two-seat hydrogen-powered city car. The Rasa offers a range of 300 miles on just 1.5 kilograms of hydrogen, emitting only water vapor. It achieves an efficiency equivalent to 250 miles per gallon and has a top speed of 60 mph. Riversimple operates on a unique subscription-based business model, providing customers with vehicles that include maintenance and fuel costs, promoting sustainable and cost-effective mobility solutions. Learn more

Alset GmbH

Alset GmbH is an Austrian technology and engineering company specializing in hydrogen-based mobility solutions. It gained prominence for developing a hybrid hydrogen internal combustion engine capable of operating on petrol, hydrogen, or a combination of both. In collaboration with Aston Martin, Alset's technology was showcased in a modified Aston Martin Rapide S, which became the first hydrogen-powered car to compete in a 24-hour race, completing the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2013 while emitting zero carbon emissions during hydrogen-powered laps. Learn more

BMW

German automaker BMW is actively advancing its hydrogen vehicle initiatives. In collaboration with Toyota, BMW plans to introduce its first mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle by 2028.

The company has been testing the iX5 Hydrogen SUV prototypes, which offer a range of approximately 500 kilometers and refueling times of just three to four minutes.

BMW’s commitment to hydrogen technology aligns with its strategy to provide diverse sustainable transportation solutions, particularly for heavy-duty and long-distance driving, where hydrogen’s rapid refueling and efficiency in cold climates offer distinct advantages. Learn more

These companies exemplify Europe's diverse and innovative approaches to integrating hydrogen fuel technologies into the automotive sector, aiming to reduce emissions and promote sustainable mobility.