NAMX HUV’s Hydrogen V8 is here to save the day.
The EV world has a new player roaring onto the scene, blending the thrill of traditional combustion engines with the eco-friendliness of hydrogen power. Meet the NAMX HUV, a luxury crossover designed by renowned Italian design house Pininfarina. This Franco-Moroccan startup’s debut vehicle isn’t just turning heads with its looks; it’s making ears perk up with the sound of its hydrogen-fueled V8 engine.
The NAMX HUV, first unveiled in 2022, was shrouded in mystery regarding its propulsion system. But now, it’s clear why the vehicle took inspiration from American muscle cars. The HUV packs a 6.2-liter hydrogen combustion engine made of aluminum, a rarity in today’s EV-dominated market. Instead of silently humming, this beast of an engine bellows a throaty, bassy audio signature that you’d expect from a V8, making it an intriguing mix of old-school muscle and futuristic technology.
The startup recently released a video showcasing the engine’s sound, and it’s a revolution in sustainable mobility that doesn’t sacrifice the passion for automotive driving. NAMX’s founder, Faouzi Annajah, explains that the choice of a hydrogen internal combustion engine (HICE) over a fuel-cell setup was deliberate. It avoids the use of heavy batteries, leverages Europe’s century-long expertise in internal combustion engines, and preserves the joy of driving.
What makes the NAMX HUV even more intriguing is its unique refueling system. Instead of a traditional hydrogen tank, the HUV features hydrogen pods that can be removed and replaced in seconds. Although questions about safety in rear-end collisions remain, this innovative approach aims to simplify hydrogen refueling.
There will be two versions of the HUV. The entry-level model, with 296 horsepower, can hit 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the GTH version ramps up the excitement with 542 horsepower, slashing the 0-62 mph time to just 4.5 seconds. The HUV promises a range of about 497 miles, a figure that’s impressive for any EV, let alone one with such a unique powertrain.
Priced at approximately $71,200 for the base model and $104,000 for the GTH model, the HUV is slated to hit the market by the end of 2025. These prices position the HUV as a luxury offering in the burgeoning hydrogen vehicle market.
NAMX isn’t alone in exploring hydrogen-powered combustion engines. Toyota, a pioneer in hydrogen fuel cell technology, is also working on hydrogen ICE vehicles. They plan to use a Yamaha-developed hydrogen V8 in their future models, signaling a broader industry shift towards this eco-friendly yet performance-focused technology.
The NAMX HUV represents a fascinating blend of past and future, offering the thrill of a V8 engine with the green credentials of hydrogen, bridging the gap between traditional car enthusiasts and those passionate about sustainable mobility. It’s a bold statement in an automotive world increasingly dominated by silent electric motors, proving that even in an eco-conscious future, cars can still have a roar.
