What is it?
BMW Clean Energy 745h Prototype
What's special about it?
BMW is closely examining the viability of hydrogen-powered cars for the future. This second-generation Clean Energy prototype, based on the all-new 7 Series design, signals the German automaker's intent to offer a production version of this drivetrain during the production life of the new Seven.
A 4.4-liter V8, featuring bi-VANOS variable valve timing, Valvetronic variable intake runners, and a fully variable intake manifold, powers the 745h using either hydrogen or premium unleaded gasoline. Running on hydrogen, the 745h makes 184 horsepower and can achieve a top speed of 133 mph. Cruising range is 190 miles. Added to the 400-mile range of the normal fuel tank, the 745h can go 600 miles between fill-ups.
Also of note is the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) that runs the 745h's power-consuming features. The APU runs on a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell that operates independently of the engine thanks to a direct hydrogen feed from the trunk-mounted tank. This means power accessories like air conditioning can be operated when the engine is shut off, and this system saves a gallon of gas for every 235 miles of city driving.
Why should you care?
When operated on hydrogen, the 745h creates zero carbon dioxide emissions, which are known to contribute to the greenhouse effect, and thus global warming. Nothing but water is emitted from the burning of hydrogen.
The problem with hydrogen power is the complete lack of infrastructure to support such a fuel system. BMW has a fueling depot at its Oxnard, Calif., facilities, but how many people are going to move to Southern California so they can be close to a filling station?
Give the German automaker props for exploring this rather elegant solution to the emissions problem, but until it's easy to fuel such a car, a market simply doesn't exist. — Christian Wardlaw
BMW Clean Energy 745h Prototype
What's special about it?
BMW is closely examining the viability of hydrogen-powered cars for the future. This second-generation Clean Energy prototype, based on the all-new 7 Series design, signals the German automaker's intent to offer a production version of this drivetrain during the production life of the new Seven.
A 4.4-liter V8, featuring bi-VANOS variable valve timing, Valvetronic variable intake runners, and a fully variable intake manifold, powers the 745h using either hydrogen or premium unleaded gasoline. Running on hydrogen, the 745h makes 184 horsepower and can achieve a top speed of 133 mph. Cruising range is 190 miles. Added to the 400-mile range of the normal fuel tank, the 745h can go 600 miles between fill-ups.
Also of note is the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) that runs the 745h's power-consuming features. The APU runs on a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell that operates independently of the engine thanks to a direct hydrogen feed from the trunk-mounted tank. This means power accessories like air conditioning can be operated when the engine is shut off, and this system saves a gallon of gas for every 235 miles of city driving.
Why should you care?
When operated on hydrogen, the 745h creates zero carbon dioxide emissions, which are known to contribute to the greenhouse effect, and thus global warming. Nothing but water is emitted from the burning of hydrogen.
The problem with hydrogen power is the complete lack of infrastructure to support such a fuel system. BMW has a fueling depot at its Oxnard, Calif., facilities, but how many people are going to move to Southern California so they can be close to a filling station?
Give the German automaker props for exploring this rather elegant solution to the emissions problem, but until it's easy to fuel such a car, a market simply doesn't exist. — Christian Wardlaw
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