Utilizing Hydrogen Energy in Next-Generation Vehicles - July 20, 2007

**Utilizing Hydrogen Energy in Next-Generation Vehicles - July 20, 2007**

The technology of utilizing hydrogen energy in vehicles has been rapidly developing in recent years as a promising next-generation energy source. Among these technologies, "hydrogen cars," which differ from traditional fuel cell vehicles by directly combusting hydrogen to drive the vehicle, have attracted significant attention. At the forefront of this technology is BMW's "Hydrogen 7."

The Hydrogen 7 is a four-door sedan based on the gasoline car "760i," equipped with a 12-cylinder engine with a displacement of 6000cc. This vehicle is a hybrid type that can selectively use either gasoline or hydrogen as fuel, with an "H2" button on the steering wheel that allows instant switching between fuels. It can travel over 200 km on hydrogen fuel and 500 km in gasoline mode, with CO2 emissions kept to around 5g/km.

Using hydrogen fuel, which only emits water vapor, significantly reduces the environmental impact, particularly on global warming. Additionally, the hydrogen tank in this vehicle is composed of an inner tank made of 40 layers of thin aluminum foil, encased in an outer shell of carbon fiber composite material and a vacuum layer, providing excellent insulation. This allows the tank to hold 8kg of liquid hydrogen compressed at -253°C.

BMW has been conducting public road tests throughout Japan using the Hydrogen 7, aiming to promote the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a next-generation energy source. These tests are not just a demonstration of technology but also an effort to strengthen collaboration with Japanese parts manufacturers, with a focus on future cost reductions and performance improvements. While there are no liquid hydrogen supply stations currently available in Japan, a mobile hydrogen supply unit accompanies the tests, with expectations for further commercial deployment as infrastructure improves.

The development of the Hydrogen 7 involves significant contributions from major Japanese parts manufacturers, with the development of peripheral components expected to play a key role in expanding the market for hydrogen vehicles. This will create new business opportunities as hydrogen vehicles, which significantly reduce environmental impact, become more prevalent.

In this way, the technology of utilizing hydrogen energy in vehicles is not only promising for combating global warming but is also expected to become an increasingly important field in the future. The success of the Hydrogen 7 is anticipated to be a step towards the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy in next-generation vehicles and the realization of a sustainable society.