Autocar.com.uk claims that sources inside BMW say the next “i” vehicle will be a hydrogen-electric fuel cell-powered i5.
Toyota is set to launch the 2015 Toyota FCV, a hydrogen fuel cell car, next year. BMW and Toyota have been collaborating on a few projects; most notably, a new sports car, and hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The BMW i3 runs on just electricity. The BMW i8 runs on electricity and a gasoline engine. It might make sense that the third i vehicle would run on electricity generated by hydrogen, so that all three i cars showcase different propulsion systems.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it will start small-scale production on a B Class hydrogen fuel cell-driven car, with sales starting in 2017. Audi is rumored to be preparing a hydrogen-powered A7, with a possible announcement at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It would be uncharacteristic for BMW to ignore a market segment that has entries from both Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
In the long term, hydrogen-powered fuel cells may make more sense than pure battery-powered electric cars. Hydrogen fuel cells can be refilled in minutes, as compared to the hours needed for an electric car.
So is BMW really bringing a hydrogen fuel-cell car to market? BMW has long been a proponent of hydrogen as an automotive fuel, they are currently working with Toyota on hydrogen fuel cells, Toyota is close to bringing an FCV car to market, and BMW’s two archrivals are reported to have hydrogen fuel-cell cars in their future. We know how BMW likes to be a technology leader, so maybe Autocar's sources are telling it like it is.
Whether or not such a car would fall under the BMW i family would remain to be seen.
Given BMW’s commitment to building green cars alongside its premium performance models, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered line would seem logical. If it comes to pass, what would BMW enthusiasts who are attracted to BMW because of their superb handling, high performance, and comfort think about another green line of BMWs?—Scott Blazey
[Photo of possible i5 courtesy of Autocar.com.uk. Photo of Toyota FCV courtsy of Mike Chino via Inhabitat.]
