BMW revs up hydrogen-powered car

The carmaker plans to start serial production of a hydrogen-burning 7-Series executive car within two years.

The story "BMW revs up hydrogen-powered car" published March 14, 2006 at 4:15 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[William Squire]

And where do we get Hydrogen?

With the trend in green energy rapidly growing, BMW is undoubtedly looking to cash in on its hydrogen technology. But there are a few problems. First, BMWs cars burn hydrogen. Personally, I have no problem with this as the result offers more power than fuel cells while maintaining zero harmful emissions. The problem, is availability. Carrying compressed hydrogen is not so safe, and generating it isnt so cheap.

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[coryschulz]

Where do we get electricity is the real question

If we can get enough electricity from solar and wind power to produce sufficient amounts of hydrogen through electrolosys, then we'll be set.

This is atleast a step in the right direction. Hydrogen is exactly what we need to be focusing on. Biodiesel is nice, and renewable, but it still has carbon emissions, and if we have a renewable supply of it we might burn it more carelessly. Global warming is obviously becoming a huge problem and hydrogen is the best current solution to that problem.

As for the dangers of transporting hydrogen, gasoline is also dangerous, not only due to its explosive properties, but also when it leaks out into our oceans from oil tankers. They've developed cabron-steel materials that can be dropped from a 5 story building and smashed at 180mph and barely dent. They've also developed special materials that help stabilize the hydrogen while it is being carried around. It may be a small concern right now, but I don't think it's anything we can't eventually handle.

[gizmonationcom]

Hindenberg?

Hydrogen's byproduct of water is a pretty awesome alternative to the carbon monoxide but there are 2 things that bug me about this idea  water for exhaust wont work so well in parts of the US where the temp doesnt go above freezing for months at a time and also what about crash ratings& would your car do a Hindenberg if you got rear-ended?

[chuchucuhi]

well

from what I've read it's no more dangerous than gasoline. You can slam into an improperly placed gas tank and your vehicle goes up in flames so it's more of a non issue. Hydrogen exploding just has had larger media attention over the last 100 or so years.

[django007]

No accidents

When it reaches the end of the exhaust its water vapor soits at 100 degrees centigrade. It would take like atleast 30 seconds before it cooled down to water and prolly another 30 seconds before it formed into ice. So u see its not a problem.

[PLDK]

environmental impact

what people are failing to notice that biodiesel gives excellent performance and is environmentaly friendlier than gas. Sad thing for Hydrogen cars is the fuel cell is not environmentally friendly the synthetic membranes that constitute the fuel cell are carcinogenic and toxic. When your cell dies will the manufacturer replace it or do we scrap it causing a toxic dump beyond imagination. When your car goes up in smoke due to a freak accident the toxins released would have an impact for years to come. If I'm wrong I'm willing to eat crow - prove me wrong.

[gbbroome]

you're talking about fuel cells

BMW is not currently developing cars with fuel cells-- they are developing cars that use hydrogen for internal combustion. Thus, you need not be concerned about the synthetic membranes in the fuel cells of these cars, for there won't be any.