Hydrogen Powered BMW i8: The Future Of The Electric Car
The first argument used by electric car naysayers is about range and recharge time: it’s nice that electric cars now have a range of 400 km (well, the Model S has), but if you have to stay at the same place for eight hours (average charging time on a 220 volt charger) before being able to drive again, it’s not very convenient.
BMW is currently trying to come up with a long-term solution; by partnering with Toyota, the German manufacturer is working on a hydrogen drivetrain. Its latest development in this domain is the i8 that you see in the above pictures. It is called BMW i8 hydrogen Concept.
- Also: 2015 Hyundai Tucson Hydrogen EV: $529/Month, Free Fuel, Zero Emissions
- Also: Toyota Mirai: Hydrogen, Fuel Of The Future?
It’s not the first time BMW has delved into this fuel source. About 10 years ago, they actually sold their science project, a V12-powered 7 Series that ran on either hydrogen or gasoline. The prototype shown here is based on one of the first i8 chassis developed, but has been fitted with a hydrogen tank, electric motors and batteries made by BMW. The fuel cell seems to come from Toyota, and was probably pilfered from a Mirai.
This particular prototype may never see the light of day, but BMW states that they intend to market a hydrogen vehicle before 2020. Chances are that the first vehicle to come out will be a 5 Series GT; it has a large trunk, which would be necessary to store a tank large enough to give the car a 500 km range.
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