EnviroCar

BMW Hydrogen 7

BMW, maker of the "Ultimate Driving Machine", has not been particularly present in making vehicles powered by alternative energy. The company doesn't offer any hybrids in their expansive lineup and hasn't touted the fuel efficiency of their vehicles either. Still, that doesn't mean that they haven't been exploring new technology. In fact, the BMW Group has been committed developing hydrogen technology to reduce car emissions for over 20 years.

Now, the company has announced they will start production of a new 7 Series powered by hydrogen: the Hydrogen 7. Scheduled to make a public appearance at the Los Angeles Motor Show at the end of this month, the Hydrogen 7 will be built in limited numbers and offered to selected users in 2007. It won't be available to the general public however.

Costing roughly the same as a typical 760i, the Hydrogen 7 is equipped with a 260hp 12-cylinder engine capable of running on liquid hydrogen or petrol, either of which can be selected by pressing a steering wheel-mounted button. The dual power technology means the car has a cruising range in excess of 125 miles in the hydrogen mode and a further 300 miles under petrol power. To make this possible, the car is fitted with two tanks: a conventional 74-litre petrol tank and an additional hydrogen fuel tank which can store up to 8kgs of liquid hydrogen at a pressure of 3-5 bar and a consistent temperature of –250°C.

The company promises the car will retain the same driving characteristics, engine power and torque BMWs are known for, albeit with the added benefit of running on hydrogen fuel - thereby emitting only water vapour. The car always gives priority to the use of hydrogen but can automatically switch to petrol power should the primary fuel become unavailable.

The Hydrogen 7 is heralded as being the first full production-ready luxury vehicle, having met all the stringent processes and final sign-off criteria that BMW models must undergo. A total of 100 Hydrogen 7s will be built in 2007.

posted by Eric @ 11:19 AM