BMW's Hydrogen Car Worries Port Authority

While test driving the BMW Hydrogen 7 concept car, The New York Times ran into an unforeseen bit of resistance from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The agency wouldn't let the reviewer drive through the Lincoln or Holland tunnels, or on the lower level of the George Washington Bridge.

As The Times put it, "Historically speaking, it’s fair to say that the last hydrogen-dependent German flagship that docked in New Jersey left a lasting impression."

So could a hydrogen car really pull a Hindenburg?

The chances of a hydrogen car exploding are exactly the same as any vehicle with a typical internal combustion engine, but that doesn't mean BMW and other automakers won't have to combat negative perceptions from the public as hydrogen cars inch toward viability.

A Sedan Fueled By the Future (The New York Times)

Comments

It is my belief that Hydrogen is the cleanest and most efficient source of energy. The Hybrid Gimmick will only last so long and will fade when Hydrogen becomes more advanced and viable.
I can't wait for that day to come.

[Red]

Considering BMW's poor reliability, those officials made a prudent decision.

[Red]

Just kidding! BMW has great reliability.

[Capeplates]

Typical reaction from the US. If the car had been a Ford or Chrysler there would have been no objections whatsoever!

[alex]

i agree hydrogen is the fuel we need. hybrids are a bridge, but just a bridge. hybrids are more damaging them a hummer

[Infosaur]

No Capeplates, it has more to do with the recent "redecorating" of lower Manhattan than any anti-Bimmer bias.

Hell, NYC is probably 1/3 of BMW's North American market!

But you can't take "explosives" over the bridge and tunnels. In fact, this includes gas tankers too. Sure millions of gallons pass over the bridge in individual cars. But Hydrogen is still listed in the DOT regs as an indusrtial explosive.

If Chrysler made a Hydrogen car I'd be even MORE concerned.

[John]

If hydrogen did not cause the Hindenburg disaster, then why did every single blimp after that stop using it to power their airships? The bottom line is, while you people are trying to rewrite history so you can get these hydrogen cars on the road, hydrogen is highly combustible and will not be the fuel of the future.