Exploring BMW's Legacy with Hydrogen: The Hydrogen 7 Prototype
Key Ideas
- The BMW Hydrogen 7, introduced in 2006, was a unique dual-fuel prototype compatible with both hydrogen and regular gas, showcasing BMW's innovative approach.
- Despite being a low-volume model with only 100 units produced, the Hydrogen 7 gained visibility through celebrity ownership, including figures like Jay Leno and Brad Pitt.
- BMW's history with hydrogen propulsion dates back to the late 1970s, with early experiments on converting production cars to run on hydrogen, leading to the development of the Hydrogen 7 and subsequent models.
- Collaboration with Toyota hints at BMW's future plans for hydrogen vehicles, indicating a potential new hydrogen-powered model in the coming years, building on their past achievements.
The BMW Hydrogen 7, a limited-run prototype introduced in 2006, showcased BMW's innovative approach to dual-fuel technology, being able to run on both hydrogen and regular gas. Despite its low production volume of only 100 units, the Hydrogen 7 gained prominence through its unique powertrain and was notably owned by celebrities like Jay Leno and Brad Pitt. BMW's history with hydrogen propulsion traces back to the late 1970s, with collaborations with the German Aerospace Center resulting in early hydrogen-powered models based on the 5 Series and 7 Series. BMW's ongoing research in hydrogen technology, including partnerships with companies like Toyota, indicates a promising future for hydrogen-powered BMW vehicles, building on the legacy of the Hydrogen 7 and previous models. The company's commitment to exploring alternative fuel sources reflects a positive sentiment towards hydrogen as a potential solution for sustainable transportation.