BMW unveils experimental hydrogen fuel cell vehicle

BMW unveils experimental hydrogen fuel cell vehicle

July 7, 2015 0 By Stephen Vagus

BMW shows off its new prototype fuel cell vehicle

Automaker BMW has unveiled a new research vehicle that it is using to test hydrogen fuel cells. The company has shown strong interest in clean transportation for some time, and now fuel cells have begun to take up a significant amount of the company’s focus. The auto industry has become heavily invested in fuel cell technology, but these energy systems still represent something of a mystery for many automakers. This is why companies like BMW are experimenting with fuel cells in order to better understand their capabilities.

Research vehicle is based on BMW’s i8 model

BMW is testing a fuel cell prototype vehicle that is based on its i8 model. This vehicle will provide BMW with a better understanding of how fuel cells operate and what can be done to improve their capabilities. Currently, hydrogen fuel cells are considered a less attractive option when compared to batteries because of their high cost. As BMW continues to experiment with these energy systems, it may be able to find ways to reduce their cost and make them more attractive to the auto industry as a whole.

BMW plans to release a hydrogen fuel vehicle in 2020

BMW - Hydrogen Fuel Cell VehicleThe German automaker has plans to release a fuel cell vehicle in 2020, but it has revealed little information about this vehicle. Rumors suggest that it will be similar to the company’s i8 model, which may be the case considering that BMW’s fuel cell research vehicle is based on this model as well. BMW is working with Toyota in order to make improvements to hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology, which may help make these energy systems less expensive, more efficient, and generally more attractive to consumers.

Lack of infrastructure support could hurt fuel cell vehicles

Fuel cell vehicles will have to compete with conventional clean vehicles, such as those making use of lithium-ion batteries, in order to find success. This success may be hampered, however, due to the lack of a comprehensive hydrogen fuel infrastructure. Without the needed infrastructure, fuel cell vehicles are expected to struggle to find acceptance among consumers.

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