More importantly, this concept also features a new type of hydrogen storage tank. From direct water injection systems to hybrids and full hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, BMW is leaving no stone unturned it its search for increased efficiency and reduced pollution.
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If you have a good memory, you might recall the “Hydrogen 7”, based on the V12 7 Series and built in very limited numbers until 2007.
Although BMW has chose to stay mum on exact details, it is understood that the prototype houses its fuel stack in the same location where one would find the regular i8’s turbocharged 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine.
A BMW i8 with a hydrogen fuel cell powerplant has been revealed at a BMW technology seminar, three years after it was first built to test fuel cell technology.
BMW was at pains to point out the car’s R&D status and that a production version is two product cycles away, but even so, the signs are promising.
Now, for years, electric cars were the dominant ZEV of choice… but that may be changing.
Since the 1960s, fuel cells have been successful in providing spacecraft with power.
Think that battery-powered electric vehicles are the future of four-wheeled transportation? Its performance can compete with standard engines that rely on internal combustion, although it doesn’t use any gasoline. That fuel stake provides electricity for an electric motor also mounted at the rear.
BMW says the successful introduction of fuel cell automotive propulsion is dependent on the development of a hydrogen supply infrastructure.
– Fast and convenient refuelling in under five minutes.
BMW’s research into fuel cell technology is just part of the activities at its i sub-brand for eco-focused mobility.
It is also a much higher range than that offered by the current crop of electric cars, Tesla Model S included.
BMW said the goal of its cooperation with Toyota is to develop “an initial group of approved components” by 2020.
BMW has initially planned to let us drive the “Batmobile” prototype, but the hydrogen tech powering the vehicle was in its early stages and not stable enough to be put through some quick laps.
Germany is also working to install a hydrogen network along its most heavily used routes.
Toyota has its Mirai, Honda has the FCX Clarity and secretly BMW has been holding out on the general public with their hydrogen powered i8. But as long as fossil fuels are around and reasonably priced, it’s possible that none of this will matter: evidence suggests that a majority of auto buyers simply follow the money when the time comes to buy a auto.
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