Automotive startup Namx has presented its first production-bound model, the HUV, a hydrogen-powered SUV designed by Pininfarina. The vehicle integrates a distinctive removable tank system intended to make hydrogen more accessible to drivers and to broaden refuelling options beyond conventional infrastructure. The company positions the HUV as part of a broader technological initiative aimed at aligning mobility with environmental stewardship through the adoption of green hydrogen.
Faouzi Annajah, founder and president of Namx, stated, “Our belief and our conviction is to promote green hydrogen, an energy that does not create carbon dioxide as it comes from renewable sources.” He emphasized the advantages of hydrogen fuel cells over battery-electric systems, noting, “Hydrogen fuel cells are an energy capable of filling up in four minutes and powering journeys of more than 800km, with a fuel-cell battery that is 10 times smaller than that of traditional electric vehicles. Our mission is to generalise the use of green hydrogen in the vehicles that we produce.”
Central to the HUV’s concept is its dual refuelling architecture. A primary fixed hydrogen tank is complemented by six smaller “capsules” that can be swapped in seconds. This configuration enables two distinct replenishment methods: conventional refuelling at a hydrogen pump, or purchasing pre-filled capsules from retail outlets. The company plans to detail its distribution and retail strategy at the Paris Motor Show. The design allows empty capsules to be refilled during a standard pump session, giving drivers the option to store them for later use. This approach addresses a key challenge for hydrogen mobility in Europe, where refuelling infrastructure remains sparse.
Each capsule weighs approximately 8 kilograms and was incorporated into Pininfarina’s design brief from the outset. At a preview event in Italy, the capsules were described as resembling “high-end luggage” rather than utilitarian fuel containers, underscoring the design emphasis on aesthetics as well as function. This blend of industrial design and engineering practicality reflects a growing trend in advanced mobility products, where user experience is considered alongside technical performance.
The HUV will be offered in two configurations. The entry-level variant employs rear-wheel drive, delivering 300 horsepower, a top speed of 200 km/h, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. The higher-performance GTH version features four-wheel drive, 550 horsepower, a 250 km/h top speed, and a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds. Namx anticipates bringing the HUV to market in the fourth quarter of 2025, with pricing between €65,000 and €95,000 depending on options.
Hydrogen fuel-cell technology has long been recognized for its rapid refuelling and long range, characteristics that align well with consumer expectations shaped by internal combustion vehicles. However, its adoption in passenger cars has been constrained by the limited availability of fuelling stations and the high cost of fuel-cell systems. By introducing a modular, swappable tank system, Namx aims to mitigate one of the most persistent barriers: the dependency on fixed refuelling points.
In the broader automotive landscape, opinions diverge on hydrogen’s role. Some established manufacturers view it as a complementary pathway to battery-electric vehicles, particularly for long-haul and high-utilization applications. Others have concentrated their resources exclusively on battery-electric platforms, citing higher energy efficiency and rapidly expanding charging networks. This divergence has created a niche for startups willing to experiment with alternative architectures and business models.
Namx’s strategy recalls the disruptive market entry of early electric vehicle pioneers, leveraging a distinctive technological proposition to differentiate from incumbents. By combining high-performance specifications, Italian design pedigree, and a flexible refuelling model, the HUV project seeks to position hydrogen mobility as both practical and aspirational. The company’s emphasis on green hydrogen sourced from renewables aligns with growing regulatory and societal pressures to decarbonize transport, while its capsule system offers a tangible engineering response to infrastructure limitations.