BMW pushes hydrogen fuel cells further in the i8 concept vehicle

BMW pushes hydrogen fuel cells further in the i8 concept vehicle
all images courtesy of BMW

BMW has focused on the use of hydrogen as an energy source for more than 30 years. in 2006 the first luxury for everyday use to be powered by a hydrogen combustion engine was unveiled – the BMW hydrogen 7. with a constance stream of significant advances in terms of – energy efficiency, performance capability and everyday practicality, this hydrogen fuel cell concept BMW ‘i8’  is the next step of this technology. 

based on the current BMW i8 electric car

they managed to further develop the 180kW electric motor that is similar to the ‘eDrive’ technology in the ’i’ cars and plug in hybrid models that are presently available, as well a, push greater efficiencies from the fuels cells that convert the hydrogen into power for the whole electrical system. the storage of the gas is in the form of a tunnel tank that is between the front and rear axle, which gives the car over 500 kilometers of operating range. this bmw i8 hydrogen fuel cell prototype is the german manufacture’s long term strategy that will expand their drive system portfolio, and enable for greater flexibility to different vehicles and customer needs.

equipped with a similar electric motor from their ‘eDrive’ system

hydrogen fuel cell technology only emits water vapour

body modifications increase aerodynamic efficiencies 

the energy cell that converts hydrogen into electricity

the catalyst filters that hydrogen must pass through 

the fuel cell stack assembly that include the filters

hydrogen is pumped into the car similarly to today’s petrol systems

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