Autoblog

Port Authority skittish over BMW Hydrogen 7

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Green, Safety, BMW

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]

Port Authority skittish over BMW Hydrogen 7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crown Jewel: Prince Albert II of Monaco gets a BMW Hydrogen 7

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Government/Legal, Green, BMW, Celebrities

Guess which one's the Prince? Click to view in hi-res

For the environmental conscience of the style-conscious elite, we have good news and bad news. The good news is that there's finally a more suitable alternative to the Toyota Prius. The bad news is that it's arguably no better looking. But like moths to the limelight, the big names have flocked to the new BMW Hydrogen 7. After being adopted by such stars as Cameron Diaz, Will Ferrell, Jay Leno and Placido Domingo, the latest of the rich and famous to receive the keys to the luxo-enviromobile is none other than His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.

The monarch of the tax-haven Mediterranean principality took delivery of the Hydrogen 7 at the Ever Monaco environmental exposition in Monte Carlo, where Prince Albert proclaimed, "I monitor very carefully, in the automobile sector in particular, the development of new technologies". Hmm, guess that means the crown prince reads Autoblog - or our sister-site Autoblog Green, which reported this particular piece of news previously - on a fairly regular basis then. Welcome to the site, your highness.

Unfortunately this means that with only 100 examples of the car being offered to the public, that's one less for the rest of us. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: BMW Hydrogen 7

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Crown Jewel: Prince Albert II of Monaco gets a BMW Hydrogen 7

Crown Jewel: Prince Albert II of Monaco gets a BMW Hydrogen 7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Hydrogen 7 drops gasoline from the mix

Michael Harley — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Technology, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW Hydrogen 7

The BMW Hydrogen 7 arrived in late 2006 boasting the unique ability to run its V12 powerplant on both hydrogen and gasoline. This was a smart idea, as the on-board 30-gallon tank of -253° Centigrade liquid hydrogen was only good for a range of about 125 miles. The other fuel tank, filled with 19.5 gallons of good old-fashioned gasoline, extended the range another 310 miles. It didn't offer any environmental advantage, but it did allow you to get home.

BMW is following up the original Hydrogen 7 with a new version - this time minus the gasoline tank. While official performance specifications, including emissions data, have not been released, BMW is claiming both performance and range have been increased. It will debut at the 2008 National Hydrogen Association Conference and the 2008 SAE World Congress in mid-April, when BMW is expected to release emissions date for the car, as well.

Gallery: BMW Hydrogen 7

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

BMW Hydrogen 7 drops gasoline from the mix originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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