Availability - Can I Get One?
Well, they're going to introduce them to the market slowly. For 2007, BMW plans to build only about 100 Hydrogen 7s to be distributed to VIP dealerships throughout the world. Obviously, their initial destination points will be limited to regions that already have a hydrogen distribution network available, so we should expect the bulk of vehicles that come to the United States to be sent to California. At first the vehicle won't even have an MSRP, as dealerships will initially lease them to select customers for limited blocks of time. The idea is to collect as much feedback as possible from each of the lessees in order to build a database of information about the vehicle in real world use. It'll probably take some time to work out all the bugs and get the vehicle into full production and distribution, so if you're one of the lucky ones who gets to shake down the first batch...well, what a treat.
Supporting the Hydrogen Economy
By introducing the Hydrogen 7, BMW is taking the initiative and making a powerful statement about its commitment to influence an expanding and maturing hydrogen economy. To promote the building of hydrogen filling stations, BMW has worked with the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) Berlin since its inception. Along with other CEP companies such as DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM/Opel, Volkswagen, Hydro and Linde, BMW is pursuing the objective of developing hydrogen as an everyday worldwide transportation fuel. With support from a research alliance with the U.S. Department of Energy and the EU's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Platform, BMW has also placed a stake in fuel cell development to further promote and solidify hydrogen's status as a transportation fuel. The future looks very bright indeed!
Check out all the 2007 Alternative Fuel Vehicles Available