The race to create the first hydrogen-powered vehicle is still on, and several companies are already well on their way. It's the case with Honda and its FCX Clarity, for example, and with GM and its Chevrolet Equinox assembled in Oshawa, on the outskirts of Toronto.
But the Germans, far from lagging behind, are ahead of the field, thanks to the Hydrogen BMW 7 Series among others, around 100 of which have been driving the world's, but mostly North America's, roads for nearly two years.
Initially designed as a technological experiment, the Hydrogen 7 is now almost ready and has become a veritable promotional tool for BMW, who is counting on hydrogen as the replacement fuel of the future.
"We firmly believe in hydrogen. We realise that we are currently in the middle of a transition period, but in a few decades, when all players will have understood, these are the cars that will be on the road," explained Jason Perron, who is responsible for the project.
Hydrogen? Really?
Driving a hydrogen-powered car may seem like pure science fiction. But that's exactly what we did in the streets of Toronto, where BMW had deployed part of its 7 Series fleet, transformed into dual-mode models (hydrogen and gas), as well as the refueling station.
The operating range of the hydrogen-only mode is around 200 km, to which we add the 500 km of the gas engine. But as for the ride, no one can tell the difference between the hydrogen and gas propulsion systems.
The car actually produces the same torque and horsepower regardless of fuel type. A few compromises had to be made with the 7 Series, however, as these are cars that have been taken directly off the assembly line and then adapted. They produce 267 hp in hydrogen mode, compared to the traditional 400 hp of the 760.
Switching fuels is as easy as pressing a button on the steering wheel: the engine makes the change itself, and its almost unnoticeable. When the car is stopped, we can hear the clicking for the magnetic injectors if the hood is up in H2 mood, and a slight transmission noise during the switch, but that's all. On the road, both acceleration and braking are identical.
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| The Hydrogen 7 is now almost ready and has become a veritable promotional tool for BMW. |
But the Germans, far from lagging behind, are ahead of the field, thanks to the Hydrogen BMW 7 Series among others, around 100 of which have been driving the world's, but mostly North America's, roads for nearly two years.
Initially designed as a technological experiment, the Hydrogen 7 is now almost ready and has become a veritable promotional tool for BMW, who is counting on hydrogen as the replacement fuel of the future.
"We firmly believe in hydrogen. We realise that we are currently in the middle of a transition period, but in a few decades, when all players will have understood, these are the cars that will be on the road," explained Jason Perron, who is responsible for the project.
Hydrogen? Really?
Driving a hydrogen-powered car may seem like pure science fiction. But that's exactly what we did in the streets of Toronto, where BMW had deployed part of its 7 Series fleet, transformed into dual-mode models (hydrogen and gas), as well as the refueling station.
The operating range of the hydrogen-only mode is around 200 km, to which we add the 500 km of the gas engine. But as for the ride, no one can tell the difference between the hydrogen and gas propulsion systems.
The car actually produces the same torque and horsepower regardless of fuel type. A few compromises had to be made with the 7 Series, however, as these are cars that have been taken directly off the assembly line and then adapted. They produce 267 hp in hydrogen mode, compared to the traditional 400 hp of the 760.
Switching fuels is as easy as pressing a button on the steering wheel: the engine makes the change itself, and its almost unnoticeable. When the car is stopped, we can hear the clicking for the magnetic injectors if the hood is up in H2 mood, and a slight transmission noise during the switch, but that's all. On the road, both acceleration and braking are identical.
 |
| Switching fuels is as easy as pressing a button on the steering wheel. |