I find it amazing how technology in the automotive industry has been racing ahead in recent years.
Only ten years ago there was only one choice of power plant you could have in your car, but now there are three – the traditional internal combustion engine; electrification, which will certainly be the main choice in the very near future; and hydrogen power, which now seems to be gaining momentum and could this really be the future?
BMW is a brand that we don’t normally associate with hydrogen cars, but they’ve been experimenting with hydrogen fuel cell technology since 2004 when the H2R Concept car was unveiled. Called the Hydrogen 7 it was based on a V12 6.0 litre motor from their 760Li that was modified to run on hydrogen rather than gasoline. In 2015 they teamed up with Toyota to modify a 5 Series Gran Turismo and that same year they initiated the i8 Hydrogen fuel cell research vehicle that was never officially revealed. But then in 2019 they started developing the iX5 Hydrogen powered vehicle that was unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show and according to some observers, this car looks like coming to fruition.
So, hydrogen-powered cars may not be as far off in the future as was predicted.
To add fuel to the fire (excuse the pun), a new hydrogen-powered supercar was recently unveiled to the world at the Slovakian Expo Pavilion in Dubai and is Slovakia’s first Hydrogen powered car. Called the Matador MH2 Hydrogen Supercar concept and conceived by the Matador Group it really is an amazing looking vehicle and highlights the brands technical skillset and commitment to this alternative fuel source.
Matador Group started in 1905 as one of the world’s first automotive tyre suppliers and produced and developed tyres until 2007 when it diverted from its tyre division, in a joint venture with Continental.
All cashed up, Matador then went on to develop into one of Europe’s largest Tier 1 automotive parts suppliers and today is channelling all its experience into its vision of the future with the MH2 concept.
Powered by a unique hydrogen propulsion system developed by Slovak University TUKE, the Matador MH2 claims 600 horsepower (450 Kilowatts) a top speed of 155mph (250 km/h), and a 0 to 60mph time of only 3.9 seconds, all with zero emissions and no need for a charging network like an electric vehicle.
In fact, with the proper infrastructure, Matador MH2 owners could fill their tanks with hydrogen just as quickly as a normal stop for gas in an internal combustion vehicle. This innovative fuel source solves many problems associated with both EVs and fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
For a closer look at this amazing car, click on this Supercar Blondie link as Alex” Hirschi has a closer look at the Matador MH2