NAM-X granted European patent for swappable hydrogen capsules

NAM-X, the Franco-Moroccan start-up behind a striking hydrogen SUV, has reached a key milestone. The European Patent Office has granted a patent for the swappable hydrogen capsule technology at the heart of the company. Its core innovation is now legally protected across much of Europe.

What has been patented?

The patent, registered as EP 4511247, covers the system of removable, refillable hydrogen capsules. The application was filed on 20 April 2023, claiming priority from 21 April 2022. The official mention of the grant will be published in the European Patent Bulletin on 20 May 2026. According to NAM-X, the patent covers the designated contracting states, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.

Founder Faouzi Annajah described it as a long and complex process of around four years, with significant investment to protect the technology internationally.

How does the capsule system work?

The HUV (Hydrogen Utility Vehicle) combines a fixed hydrogen tank with a set of removable capsules at the rear. The main tank stores around 5 kg of hydrogen; up to six capsules can be added alongside it. Empty capsules can be swapped by hand for full ones, or delivered to your home. The aim is to make hydrogen mobility accessible without first requiring a dense network of refuelling stations everywhere. In total, NAM-X targets a range of up to roughly 800 km.

One interesting aspect is the focus on low weight and smart use of resources: the less mass a vehicle has to carry, the less energy it takes to get moving. The decentralised capsule model could also help ease peak demand on the electricity grid, a welcome trait at a time of grid congestion.

Status of the vehicle

NAM-X has completed prototype validation and is now in the industrial development phase. The company previously opted for a hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2 ICE) rather than fuel cells alone, citing performance and manageable production costs. In early 2025, NAM-X ran aerodynamic tests in the wind tunnel of design partner Pininfarina. In late 2025 it opened an advanced pre-order phase.

The HUV is expected in two versions: an entry-level rear-wheel-drive model of around 300 hp, and a more powerful all-wheel-drive GTH version of about 550 hp. Prices are expected to range between 65,000 and 95,000 euros.

What does this mean?

With the patent granted, attention shifts from protecting the idea to practical execution: industrialisation, building partnerships and attracting new investors. Annajah stresses that the technology is "multimodal" and may find applications beyond the car industry, in other energy and transport uses.

Alongside battery-electric driving, NAM-X positions hydrogen as a complementary, zero-emission route to clean mobility, with its own decentralised distribution model as a distinguishing feature.

Sources

• Industrie du Maroc – industries.ma (14 May 2026)
• Infomédiaire – infomediaire.net
• Forbes Morocco – forbesmorocco.com
• Grokipedia / NamX HUV
• NamX official website – namx-hydrogen.com