France announces a luxury hydrogen car

France-based Hydrogen Motive Company (HMC) aspires to become Europe’s leading manufacturer of hydrogen-based powertrains, and its first production car – the Hopium Machina – should become the first luxury vehicle in this market segment.

Based on the announcement video, the Machina sports intricately designed headlights, air vents at both ends, widened fenders and sleek aerodynamic outlines. Racing driver Olivier Lombard, who happens to be the founder of HMC, calls it “a breakthrough”.

Out of all the technical specs we may be legitimately interested in, only the power output (500 hp / 373 kW) and range (1,000 kilometers / 620 miles) have been announced so far. Other than that, the company promises us state-of-the-art connectivity features and driving assists, as well as a non-traditional interior layout.

The HMC Concept will debut next year, and production is scheduled to commence in France in six years’ time. Lombard says the production car will be available on many markets throughout the world.