Sinister looking zero emissions BMW i8 goes 300 miles on unlikely power source

The BMW i8 is already ahead of its time with its futuristic looks. Now the Bavarian automaker brings out a new i8 prototype that looks even more futuristic and a bit sinister looking. BMW says it’s a preview of BMW’s to come, and more specifically, it’s a hydrogen fuel cell test mule based on the current BMW i8 performance car.

BMW showed off the new black i8 at their “Group Innovation Days” event in France. They brought all their new technology that included a water-injection BMW M4, 2-Series Active Tourer and the i8 with hydrogen power above. This is all part of what BMW is about: Innovative auto technology.

BMW initially created this concept i8 in 2012 and it uses many of the components you’ll find on the i8 production car we have today. This prototype i8 is hydrogen powered, its lightweight and according to BMW, it has an estimated range of 300 miles while storing hydrogen at 350-bar pressure.

The futuristic i8 prototype comes with 268 horsepower and will launch from 0-60 mph in around six seconds. The hydrogen fuel cell car will have a top speed of 124 mph. This is not as much a performance enthusiasts sports car as it is a car for efficiency. This i8 delivers zero emissions, while returning the aforementioned 300 mile range.

If you can find a refueling station, BMW says it will only take about five minutes to fuel up. The infrastructure for this technology is a long way off as it continues to be a challenge for automakers.

We don’t know if the new i8 will look as sinister as the prototype, but it could be hydrogen powered in the future. Right now its just a concept and we’ll likely see a more mainstream fuel cell vehicle like the 5 Series from BMW first. Stay tuned.