Look out hybrids! BMW's loading up the hydrogen cannon

BMW intends to start serial production of a hydrogen-burning 7-Series executive car within two years, the world's largest premium automaker said on Tuesday.

"We will present such a vehicle to the public in less than two years," a spokesman said, confirming media reports. BMW had said last year its hydrogen-fuelled cars, which emit only water vapour, would make their debut in 2010.

BMW intends to build a few hundred such cars at first. They will be able to switch between burning standard gasoline and hydrogen so that drivers will not be left stranded while the infrastructure to deliver hydrogen is built up.

The space that two fuel tanks take up means only the 7-Series will offer the hydrogen package at first. BMW's long-term goal is to offer hydrogen motors in all its cars.

Full article here

atomicbri - 3/16/2006 9:26:59 AM

+1 Boost

If the drive is as good as it's regular gas motor, this should be great! Now if we can just find hydrogen to fuel em! This is an excellent source of fuel....as it burns clean (water vapor).

Steve - 3/16/2006 11:06:25 PM

+1 Boost

Hydrogen-powered cars are a brilliant idea. And as soon as we can find a relatively economical way to produce it, prep it for transport or consumption, and set up dispensing stations across the nation so people can travel with the freedom that they can now with gasoline, these vehicle will dominate.

Now that I have removed my tomgue from my cheek: A great idea ain't worth diddly if you can't make it practical.

Meanwhile, Honda is making gas/electric hybrids that reduce emissions, increase fuel economy, and are on the roads today. En mass, not just in "serial production." Who do you think has the smarter idea? The guys with the brilliant concepts, or the guys with the good ideas that are in mass production?

Steve - 3/16/2006 11:06:25 PM

+1 Boost

Hydrogen-powered cars are a brilliant idea. And as soon as we can find a relatively economical way to produce it, prep it for transport or consumption, and set up dispensing stations across the nation so people can travel with the freedom that they can now with gasoline, these vehicle will dominate.

Now that I have removed my tomgue from my cheek: A great idea ain't worth diddly if you can't make it practical.

Meanwhile, Honda is making gas/electric hybrids that reduce emissions, increase fuel economy, and are on the roads today. En mass, not just in "serial production." Who do you think has the smarter idea? The guys with the brilliant concepts, or the guys with the good ideas that are in mass production?

ThwartedEfforts - 3/17/2006 3:39:52 AM

+1 Boost

Far more accessible and exciting is the rumoured S-Class hybrid diesel. I'm not sure why BMW isn't pushing a rival, rather than an engine which requires fuel almost no-one can buy.

Hybrid diesel is something that can be mass produced and will be immediately relevant to every buyer in its home continent, where diesel cars now outsell their petrol equivalents across the board.

I had placed an order for the new S-Class diesel, to replace my current S320 CDI, but after hearing a few whispers about a hybrid version, I cancelled and am now waiting with baited breath...