BMW could use hydrogen as the racing fuel of the future
By ForGeeks BMW BMW’s commitment to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles became evident this year when the first iX5 FCEV was unveiled. Moreover, the company recently launched a worldwide pilot program designed to demonstrate the benefits of this technology as a viable alternative to battery-powered electric vehicles. However, in the future, their hydrogen efforts may extend to the racing world as well. According to SportsCar365, Peugeot and BMW have expressed interest in using hydrogen fuel as the basis for a prospective category within the FIA World Endurance Racing Championship.
Peugeot and BMW have both expressed interest in using hydrogen fuel as a basis for a prospective category within the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The talks center around two variants of hydrogen-powered cars: cars equipped with electric fuel cells and cars with internal combustion engines powered by hydrogen. BMW promoting fuel cell technology with the iX5 Hydrogen is recognized as «technologically open», as confirmed by Andreas Roos, head of BMW Motorsports. According to Roos, the hydrogen theme has always been part of the brand’s history and is a subject of study in the racing technology field.
Hydrogen has always been a part of the brand’s history and is a subject of study in the racing technology field.
The BMW Motorsport boss, however, is cautious about setting the direction for today. According to Roos, it is premature to determine the specific trajectory and effectiveness of hydrogen fuel as a solution. However, BMW is actively exploring its potential and assessing its relevance to its operations. The most important aspect for BMW is to maintain a close link between road cars and motorsport, so that advances in one area contribute to the development of the other.
Maintaining a close link between road cars and motorsport is a crucial aspect for BMW.
This announcement is not surprising given BMW’s approach to racing, which involves transferring technology to road cars. That’s precisely one of the reasons BMW Motorsport hasn’t returned to the Formula 1 championship. As for hydrogen-fueled race cars, Roos also noted that the ACO roadmap calls for them to appear in 2030. He also added that we need to start considering this issue sooner rather than later, as development does not happen overnight. BMW H2R remains in our memory as another notable hydrogen-powered car from BMW. Introduced in 2004, the futuristic concept was intended to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a fuel for high-performance vehicles. Although the BMW H2R remained a prototype and was never further developed, it played a crucial role in laying the foundations for future hydrogen-powered BMW models.
BMW Motorsport is currently focusing on plug-in hybrid technology in the world of racing. The BMW M Hybrid V8 car has just scored its first victory, and plans for 2024 include — participation in the «24 Hours of Le Mans».
