Germany has also made important contributions to new energy vehicles. BMW is also a pioneer in the research of hydrogen-powered engine models. As early as 2004, the H2R race car developed by BMW set 9 global speed records for hydrogen-fueled internal combustion-powered vehicles at the Miramas high-speed test track in the southern town of France. It is equipped with a 6.0LV12 hydrogen-powered engine with a maximum speed of over 300km/h, and the acceleration time of 0-100km/h is strictly controlled within 6s. With the successful precedent of H2R racing, BMW has strengthened its confidence in continuing to develop hydrogen-powered engine models. In 2007, it launched a 7-series hydrogen-powered model to the outside world, as shown in Figure 1. This model is equipped with a 6.0LV12 hydrogen-powered engine with a maximum power of 260hp (1hp=745.700W) and a maximum torque of 390N·m. Compared with the 445hp of the gasoline engine model, this data still has a certain gap, but the power of 260hp is also very advantageous. After all, zero emission is its real killer. This engine is based on BMW 760i’s 6.0LV12 engine improvement. In accordance with the requirements of dual-mode driving, fuel is supplied by direct injection in gasoline mode, and a hydrogen supply line is integrated in the engine’s intake system. The key technology of this engine is that the injection valve body needs to provide the corresponding fuel and air mixture, and send an appropriate amount of hydrogen into the intake air in a short time. In the process of solving this problem, the Valvetronic electronic valve and Double-VANOS dual camshaft variable valve timing system of the BMW engine play a vital role. Although it has the most advanced technology, the high research and development costs make this car expensive. BMW currently only produces 100 hydrogen-powered 7-series models, which are supplied to consumers through special marketing channels.
In 2017, the European Union proposed a new development goal. By 2020, renewable energy consumption will account for 20% of all energy consumption. Therefore, there will be more than 1 million new energy vehicles in Germany in 2020. A large part of the 50 billion euro economic stimulus plan approved by the German government in early 2009 was used for the development of electric vehicles, the construction of a network of “car charging stations”, and the development of renewable energy.
In the 21st century, major automobile companies in various countries have formulated new development plans for new energy vehicles. In this “environmental protection arena”, pioneers including GM, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan and others have played the leading role in the development of new energy vehicles.
