BMW has revealed an i8 hydrogen-powered research vehicle, hinting at the future direction of its ultra-efficient i8 family.
Reportedly created back in 2012, BMW’s i8 hydrogen vehicle is being used to test the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology, something BMW and Toyota are endeavouring to establish in the mass market by 2020.
Breaking cover at one of BMW’s Group Innovation Days, it utilises the same platform as the standard i8 supercar. However, it features a more futuristic-looking, matt black body kit – no doubt incorporating lightweight carbon fibre materials. With BMW hoping to start production of a hydrogen-powered car by 2020, its i8 research vehicle is of massive importance when it comes to honing the technology.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) are becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry, both from a production and a case study point of view.
Although BMW has said that there are no plans for a production version of the i8 hydrogen vehicle, it still hints at future projects for the German carmakers’ efficient ‘i’ brand.
