A French-Moroccan startup, NamX, has unveiled a new hydrogen-powered SUV concept that claims to offer a range of up to 1,500 kilometers with a revolutionary swappable capsule system that could allow for refueling in just five seconds.

This technology, known as the NamX HUV (Hydrogen Utility Vehicle), is designed to overcome a major hurdle of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs)—the lack of a widespread refueling infrastructure. Instead of relying on traditional hydrogen filling stations, the NamX HUV uses a combination of a main tank and six smaller, removable capsules located at the rear of the vehicle. When the main tank is empty, the driver can swap out the smaller capsules for a full set at a designated “CapXtores” station, potentially making the process as fast as a battery swap for an electric vehicle.

• Swappable Hydrogen Capsules: The core of the NamX system is its modular design. The vehicle has a fixed main tank and a series of six removable capsules. The capsules can be exchanged in seconds, allowing for a quick “refuel.”
• Extended Range: The combination of the main tank and the capsules is expected to give the HUV a total range of 1,500 kilometers. This is a significant improvement over most current FCEVs, which typically have a range of 480 to 800 kilometers.
• Fuel Cell & Electric Motor: The HUV is powered by a fuel cell that converts hydrogen into electricity, which in turn powers the electric motors. The vehicle is planned to be available in both a rear-wheel-drive version with 300 hp and an all-wheel-drive version with 550 hp.

The NamX HUV, designed in collaboration with the Italian design firm Pininfarina, is currently in its prototype phase. The company aims to begin production in late 2025. This innovation could represent a major step forward for the hydrogen economy by offering a new, convenient way for consumers to adopt clean energy vehicles.