NOVELIST Jules Verne wrote of hydrogen split from AE an inexhaustible all the way back in 1874, but a hydrogen-fuelled future has seemed like a pipe-dream over the intervening years.
With H₂ filling stations in single figures, and only a handful of expensive H₂-powered cars on UK roads today, one might reasonably ask how we're on the cusp of a revolution that will finally make Verne's dream a reality.
Yet BMW is firmly convinced of the opportunity, and last week landed four of its latest hydrogen fuel cell-powered iX5 prototypes on British shores, presenting its vision for fuel cells to media outlets and the Department for Transport in an effort to 'warm-up' an audience for fuel cell-powered passenger vehicles in the years ahead.
Speaking to BMW's hydrogen programme chief Jürgen Guldner, who accompanied the cars on their visit to the UK, we learned that hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains that can be topped up in minutes could be a no-cost alternative to batteries across a range of BMW electric models by 2035. That's because new, compact hydrogen fuel tank technology allows the maker to cheaply package hydrogen storage in vehicle platforms also designed for batteries.
But the outlook for European drivers is very different to here in the UK, where our Government maintains the view that renewable hydrogen is a scarce resource that should be reserved as fuel for freight transport, or to fuel high-intensity industrial processes that can't reduce their carbon footprint in other ways. Traditional 'dirty' hydrogen refined from fossil fuels is not part of anyone's net zero vision either. So here in the UK, the Government wants you to drive an EV that's battery powered.
This story is from the July 05, 2023 edition of Auto Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 05, 2023 edition of Auto Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Panorama highlights faults plaguing smart motorways
THE UK's smart motorway network is plagued with technological faults that are not fixed for days at a time, leaving drivers at risk, according to the latest edition of the BBC's Panorama programme.
Final tests for Range Rover EV
Land Rover reveals images of electric Range Rover
BYD will spread its wings by selling new Seagull in Europe
BYD will bring its value Seagull supermini to Europe and the UK, Auto Express can reveal, after the Chinese brand's executive VP, Stella Li, confirmed the plan in Beijing.
Mega MG model blitz
THE MG3 hatchback kicks off a big year for MG, with at least four other new models arriving in the next 12 months.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Toyota RAV4 Mk5
FROM £17,000 Spacious five-seat SUV also offers loads of standard kit and unburstable reliability
Tesla fires up 460bhp Model 3 Performance
TESLA has just revealed its new Ragship Model 3 Performance - a quicker, more powerful version of the brand's all-electric executive saloon car - and has put it straight on sale in the UK, with prices from £59,990.
ASPIRING LEADERS
The new Volkswagen Tiguan takes on the Hyundai Tucson for compact family-SUV honours
HIGH ROLLERS
As Rolls-Royce hits 120 years old, meet the car makers that have tried to take it on - not always successfully
Jeep Wrangler
FIRST DRIVE Revised SUV icon gets enhanced interior tech
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53
FIRST DRIVE Performance version of sleek new coupé is put through its paces