We’ve previously reported on the topic of an alleged deal to be signed between BMW and GM for the joint exploration and development of Fuel Cell technology.
Rumors continue to trickle through the grape vine, and the latest we’ve heard is that a deal may well be signed when both automakers convene upon the NAIAS in Detroit, Michigan. Who knew real business was conducted behind the flashy displays and beautiful girls?
BMW has long focused development towards the burning of cooled, liquid hydrogen in conventional internal combustion engines. However, as the industry develops a better command of electric cars, it appears that fuel cell technology may trump BMW’s IC engine alternative. In a fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are combined in a chemical reaction which creates electricity, heat, and water as a by-product.
Not only is fuel cell technology extremely clean, but it could likely reduce the reliance of electric cars on dirty-to-produce, difficult to recycle, and heavy battery packs.
While we wouldn’t touch the recently bankrupted and highly unstable car company with a pole long enough to span the Atlantic, it appears that BMW sees some value in teaming with GM, likely to save on development costs, or possibly to take advantage of a hushed break-through that GM may well have in their laboratories. GM have reportedly spent 1.6 billion dollars so far developing fuel cell technology.
In another unprecedented partnership, BMW have recently partnered with Toyota to develop advanced battery packs.
