Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Government/Legal, Green, Safety, BMW
Port Authority skittish over BMW Hydrogen 7
Note to all you celebs and journos driving around in BMW Hydrogen 7s: be careful where you go in New York and New Jersey. While taking the uber-clean car for a joyride, The New York Times was informed it was not to drive through either the Lincoln or Holland Tunnels or on the lower level of the George Washington Bridge. It seems that the Port Authority of the two states isn't thrilled with the idea of 17.5 pounds of liquid hydrogen moving about its crowded thoroughfares, fearing a disaster of Hindenburg-like proportions. It so happens that our own Alex Núñez also just had the Hydrogen7 recently, and he's provided us with a copy of the relevant bit of paperwork which the Times refers to. You can read about the Hydrogen7's visit to the AutoblogGreen Garage at our sister site on August 1.
Seriously though, BMW has done an excellent job of ensuring safety on the Hydrogen 7. There are numerous mechanical and electronic systems designed specifically to be sure that any hydrogen let loose is done so in a controlled manner. We're sure that the last thing the bosses in Munich want on their hands is the negative publicity associated with a mishap involving a celebrity, dignitary.... or innocent bystanders in the New York metropolitan area. (Or me, Jeremy -- AN)[Source: The New York Times | Photos: Alex Núñez]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
tankd0g 1:35PM (7/25/2008)
Because a half million pounds of gasoline in stamped tin cans is is the epitome of safety.
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HotRodzNKustoms 2:15PM (7/25/2008)
Just goes to show how terribly misinformed the public is.
mk 2:29PM (7/25/2008)
gasoline just leaks unless it is ignited by an external ignition source. And how many cars leak gas? Pretty much proven.
It also doesn't auto-ignite and burn with a clear flame. Hydrogen gas does. Has a tendency to ignite OTHER things before you even know there is an open flame.
Plus, hydrogen containment isn't proven on that car, and hydrogen needs barely a molecular scale gap to leak past.
I think the port authority might be over-reacting a bit, but they would be in a world of trouble if something did rupture and cause a fire or explosion in a tunnel or something.
I do think a lot more research and trials should be done before Hydrogen is a viable mass-market energy medium.
Not to mention the energy accounting, and handling safety issues with producing hydrogen energy for the mass market infrastructure.
ronzo 2:33PM (7/25/2008)
my thoughts exactly, tank
tankd0g 2:49PM (7/25/2008)
Please, what happens when a gas tank catches fire in a tunnel is well documented. Many people have lost their lives in such fires. If somehow the BMW sprung a leak that the monitoring systems could not take care of it would be no worse. It's not a bottle of nitroglycerin. The lighter than air gas would likely dissipate into the ventilation system of the tunnel before any sort of concentration could be reached.
PJ 1:54PM (7/27/2008)
The Hindenburg was covered in thin cotton skin doped in butyrate and landed with a strong static charge.
Someone hand the Port Authority a history book.
why not the LS2LS7? 1:36PM (7/25/2008)
You can't drive LPG cars through there either. No compressed explosive gasses. Perhaps years of safe operation will lead to a change in this law.
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Benfolio 3:29PM (7/25/2008)
What about the old CNG Crown Vic taxis?
Or any Crown Vic, for that matter.
According to the press, they are ALL prone to exploding.
John B 5:56PM (7/25/2008)
LPG (i.e. propane gas) is denser than air and will settle in a low spot (i.e. in the tunnel). Hydrogen (and CNG) are less dense and will rise and dissipate assuming there is access to ventilation. That's why CNG is considered safer than propane in confined areas (e.g. boats).
MJK 1:39PM (7/25/2008)
KaBOOM!
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Alex Nunez 1:44PM (7/25/2008)
Thankfully....no.
henrykrinkle 1:48PM (7/25/2008)
A German craft full of hydrogen on the way to New Jersey? What could go wrong?
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Aetius 1:53PM (7/25/2008)
LMAO
MJK 2:05PM (7/25/2008)
nice....
P.V. 2:03PM (7/25/2008)
ROFLMFAO! +1
Tater 5:26PM (7/25/2008)
Best Comment 2008.
LMAO!
Dave 1:55PM (7/25/2008)
I'm surprised they don't insist on a person walking 25 ft. ahead w/a red lantern. Makes as much sense.
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Brent 1:58PM (7/25/2008)
Please tell me why they are working on hydrogen when algae oil makes so much more sense!
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tankd0g 2:04PM (7/25/2008)
I find the algae clog up my fuel filter.
itsmeee 2:04PM (7/25/2008)
Hydrogen isn't what made the Hindenburg burn. If it was it would have exploded, not burnt slowly and crash to the ground.
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