BMW i8-Based Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Prototype has been Launched

KUALA LUMPUR: Apart from showing direct water injection technology showcased, BMW has also pulled the cover of its i8-base hydrogen fuel-cell prototype and giving the motoring world its first sight. This is considered as one of the most advanced research vehicles.

In 2012, the unnamed BMW i8-based hydrogen fuel-cell prototype was made first. Since its construction, it has been employed as a test bed for the German carmaker to process experiments on hydrogen fuel-cell technology. Klaus Froehlich, R&D Chief, has said in a report by Autocar UK that the said technology will be used in the production of vehicles by the end of the year 2020, as per the plans of the marque.

The  prototype and BMW i8 differs from each due to the adoption of the slightly reworked front fascia, which is made up of a squared-off kidney grille design and slimmer headlights. This design language is a preview of the future of BMW i-model.  The shape of the model is as a result of various hours spent at BMW's wind tunnel. In front larger air intakes occur, which help channel the airflow towards front-mounted radiators.

BMW has stayed silent and has not provided exact detail about the car. But, it is understood well that the houses of fuel stack of the prototype would be found where the regular i8's turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine are present.  Inside a tank cryogenically-stowed hydrogen is placed from which power for the fuel-cell comes. This tank is placed low in the center location of the vehicle and oxygen.

A rear-mounted electric motor helps to propel the car, produced by fuel-cell. Here the water is the only emitted element. Total power output is calculated at 242 hp. Apart from  the i-8 base prototype, BMW is in the middle of experimenting with hydrogen fuel-cell technology on the base of 5 Series GT-mules.