Dual-mode combustion engine for enhanced flexibility

The practical cruising range offered by a car is one of the most important criteria in judging the everyday qualities of a new drive concept. But apart from consumption figures and the tank capacity in a car, we must also consider the existing fuel supply infrastructure.

There is not currently a full network of hydrogen filling stations. Vehicles running on hydrogen alone can only be used within certain limits on public roads, not offering the flexibility naturally expected by the user.

For precisely this reason the BMW Group, introducing the world's first hydrogen luxury performance car, is opting for dual-mode drive technology, with the combustion engine of the BMW Hydrogen 7 being capable of running on both hydrogen and gasoline.

The cruising range of the car in the hydrogen mode is more than 200 kilometres or 125 miles, with another 500 kilometres or 300 miles in the gasoline mode. As a result, the driver of the BMW Hydrogen 7 benefits from virtually unlimited mobility and is able to use the vehicle even when far away from the nearest hydrogen filling station.



Dual-mode drive technology - the key to everyday motoring

The prerequisite for permanent use of hydrogen as a source of energy is a closely-knit network of hydrogen filling stations. On the other hand there will only be an incentive to build additional filling stations when a significant demand potential for vehicles with hydrogen drive develops in the market.

This is why BMW Hydrogen 7 is destined to become a pacemaker for progress on both levels. It now generates the momentum required for expanding the right fuel supply infrastructure, ultimately benefiting those car makers focusing exclusively on single-mode hydrogen technology. Once the number of hydrogen filling stations increases accordingly, these vehicles will also become more attractive, single-mode hydrogen vehicles then offering the same everyday driving qualities and practical benefits the BMW Hydrogen 7 is already able to prove today.

Opting for this dual-mode drive concept, the BMW Group is consciously acting as a pacemaker. Indeed, this commitment to set standards not only to the benefit of the own customers, but also to the advantage of an entire world of technology, is part of the responsibility the BMW Group is happy to assume in our modern world.



V12 power unit developing dynamic performance BMW style from hydrogen

Under current conditions, dual-mode drive is the only really practical solution in giving hydrogen the breakthrough it deserves. The combustion engine featured in BMW Hydrogen 7 is perfectly suited for arousing widespread acceptance of this new technology.

Particularly in comparison with the fuel cell, the power unit featured by BMW develops much more engine power. The V12 driving the BMW Hydrogen 7 combines dynamic performance, superior comfort and enhanced safety in a manner typical of all BMW automobiles, regardless of the type of fuel or engine technology.

Displacing 6.0 litres, the power unit develops a maximum output of 191 kW/260 hp. Maximum torque, in turn, is 390 Newton-metres/287 lb-ft at an engine speed of 4,300 rpm. This enables the BMW Hydrogen 7 to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and gives the car an electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h or 143 mph, both on hydrogen and gasoline.

This alternative energy technology brand-new in a series production car is absolutely equal to the gasoline engine with its history of more than 100 years. So the conclusion is clear: A hydrogen car is also able to offer power, performance, driving dynamics, motoring refinement and, as a result, sheer driving pleasure of the supreme standard expected of a genuine BMW.

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