BMW has unveiled a hydrogen-powered car that has successfully completed the process of series development.
The Hydrogen 7 vehicle, based on the 760i, would be presented at the Los Angeles Motor Show December 1-12 this year, company sources said.
BMW's 7 series Hydrogen 7 saloon is powered by a 191kW (260HP) twelve-cylinder engine, which accelerates it from 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The top speed is limited electronically to 230 km/h (143 mph). And because a widely available supply of hydrogen is not guaranteed, the dual-mode power unit featured in the BMW Hydrogen 7 switches over quickly and conveniently to conventional premium gasoline.
The engine management and fuel system had to be modified to cater for two fuel systems. In addition to the 74-litre petrol tank the car is fitted with a special hydrogen pressure tank in the boot that stores eight litres of hydrogen at minus 250 degrees Celsius.
The hydrogen tank gives the car a range of 200 kilometres after which it can be switched to petrol-drive for another 500 kilometres. The hydrogen tank however reduces the boot volume and leg space in the rear.
"It could burn with oxygen in an engine or a burner similar to other hydrocarbon fossil fuels, but it could be used in a fuel cell to produce electricity without any moving parts, just electro-chemical reaction," said Milivoje Kostic, associate professor of mechanical engineering .
A BMW spokesman said that limited production of the Hydrogen 7 would start this year with the first customers to test the vehicles early next year. It is however unclear whether the Hydrogen 7 would be sold or leased.
