PR89485

LEVALLOIS, France, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Plastic Omnium has announced a partnership with Hopium, the French manufacturer

of high-end hydrogen cars, to develop the hydrogen storage system for the

future Hopium Mâchina. This high-end vehicle, first announced in October 2020,

aims to be the first French hydrogen-powered sedan to hit the market in 2026.

The Mâchina prototype is due to be unveiled to the press in June 2021. It will

be equipped with a 700-bar Type IV* vessel made by Plastic Omnium in its

Herentals plant (Belgium), which is operational since fall 2020.

Building on this initial collaboration, Hopium and Plastic Omnium have

established a partnership to develop the Hopium Mâchina hydrogen storage system

for the production series. Based on almost 40 patents and a range of in-house

developed, certified hydrogen storage vessels, Plastic Omnium will provide

Hopium with a prototype high-pressure Type IV* hydrogen vessel for testing.

This new generation will be optimally integrated into the vehicle chassis,

enabling Hopium to maximize the quantity of hydrogen stored and achieve its

ambitious 1,000-kilometer target range.

Laurent Favre, Chief Executive Officer of Plastic Omnium, says: “With Hopium,

we are convinced of hydrogen’s major role in tomorrow’s sustainable mobility.

Plastic Omnium is proud to provide its expertise in hydrogen technologies and

help develop the Hopium Mâchina storage system, an innovative project for

low-carbon mobility.”

Olivier Lombard, Chairman and CEO of Hopium, adds: “As the first 100% hydrogen

car manufacturer, Hopium stands at the forefront of green technologies. This

partnership with Plastic Omnium shows our desire to collaborate with a key

hydrogen mobility player to develop the Mâchina, a new generation of

zero-emission vehicule.”

* composite high-pressure vessel comprising a thermoplastic liner reinforced

with a carbon-fiber shell winding

About Plastic Omnium

Around the world, Plastic Omnium provides carmakers with innovative solutions

for more connected and sustainable mobility. A global leader in its three

businesses, the Group develops and produces intelligent exterior systems, clean

energy systems and customized complex modules. With an international footprint

of 135 plants and 25 R&D centers, Plastic Omnium relies on its 31,000 employees

to meet the challenges of clean and smart mobility. Innovation-driven since its

creation, Plastic Omnium is now paving the way for the zero-carbon car through

its investments in hydrogen solutions, for which the Group has ambitions to

become world leader throughout the entire value chain.

Plastic Omnium is listed on Euronext Paris, compartment A, and is included in

the SRD (deferred settlement service) and SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indices (ISIN

code: FR0000124570).

About Hopium

Olivier Lombard, the youngest winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans, founded

Hopium, a manufacturer of high-end hydrogen-powered vehicles, as an achievement

resulting from his experience acquired on the racing circuits.

With the automotive culture in his heritage, Olivier Lombard has driven for 7

years hydrogen-powered racing cars, making him the world’s most experienced

racer in this field.

As an open-air laboratory, the race has allowed Olivier Lombard and his team to

reflect on new mobility solutions to meet today’s environmental challenges.

While the transportation sector alone is responsible for 20% of greenhouse gas

emissions, the company is positioning itself as a player in climate change.

Hopium brings together a team of experts and leading partners at the forefront

of innovation in the fields of hydrogen fuel cells, technology and automotive

engineering.

Hopium (ISIN code: FR0014000U63 - Mnemonic: MLHPI) is listed on Euronext

Access+ and is eligible for PEA-PME.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1432668/Hopium_Logo.jpg

Hopium

Press:

contact@hopium.com

Plastic Omium

Press:

Myriam Malak

+33 (0)1 40 87 65 41

myriam.malak@plasticomnium.com

Source : Hopium