BMW Working on Fuel Cell Hybrid for 2014
By Chris Weiss
As part of its Efficient Dynamics program, BMW is working on a fuel cell hybrid that may see production as early as 2014. The hybrid powertrain combines a 5 kW fuel cell, high-performance capacitors, a 118 hp four-cylinder engine and a 110 hp electric motor. In the concept, that components are fitted to a three-door BMW 1 Series, with the electric motor replacing the rear axle differential and driving the rear wheels while the petrol mill delivers power to the front wheels.
At lower speeds, the hydrogen fuel cell powers the electric RWD; the engine kicks in at higher speeds. The electric and petrol units can also work in tandem to provide quicker acceleration.
BMW has not committed to production, but the system could see its way into the next-generation MINI and front-wheel drive BMW. [via WCF]
