October 4, 2007 Popularity: 11% [?] No comments

BMW’s Hydrogen 7: The World’s First Hydrogen Vehicle for Everyday Use

This is hydrogen 7 from BMW. Announced only 2 weeks ago, it’s the first luxury hydrogen vehicle to jump out of the concept stage and become available for everyday use.

This vehicle is incredibly flexible, allowing it to operate on either liquid-hydrogen fuel or traditional gasoline. The driver can decide which fuel to use, and power and torque remain consistent between fuels. This allows a seamless transition between fuels.

It’s tank allows it to hold 17.2 lb of liquid hydrogen, giving it a hydrogen range of 125 miles, or 7.2 miles per pound efficiency. This can be combined with a 16.3 gallon traditional gasoline tank for an extra 300 mile range, giving the hydrogen 7 a total range of 425 miles when completely fueled-up. The gas efficiency could be improved however, as a 16.3 gallon tank giving a 300 mile range comes out to a modest 18.4mpg.

Performance wise, the 12 cylinder engine produced 260hp, allowing the Hydrogen 7 to accelerate from 0-60 in 9.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited, however, to 143mph.

Unfortunately hydrogen is still a difficult fuel to find, but the option to use traditional gas as well is brilliant. Allowing you to use green fuel when you can, and not making your car useless if none is available.

This is a big step forward for hydrogen-powered cars, but unfortunately you’re going to have to be pretty important the get your hands on one. BMW is producing the hydrogen 7 in limited quantities only, and the ones which are produced are sold only to select customers.