BMW’s next-generation Mini and the front-wheel-drive cars planned for 2014 are expected to already use this recently unveiled hydrogen hybrid drivetrain.

This system merges a conventional front-drive powertrain with a hydrogen fuel cell, electricity-storing supercapacitors and an electrically driven rear axle. So far, BMW engineers have produced functioning prototypes based on 1-series hatchbacks converted to front-wheel drive. They assert that the “fuel cell hybrid technology” has a design that enables a vehicle to travel emissions-free in city centers. Regular petrol-electric hybrids are incapable of this feat. This drivetrain will fit into the current Mini Clubman, which means that it’s likely to be included as an option for the front-wheel-drive BMW and Mini models that are at least four meters long. However, the top BMW officials have yet to approve the fuel-cell hybrid. The carmaker wants to make sure that the vehicles will generate enough sales to ensure financial viability. BMW has yet to decide if it will offer hydrogen fuel pumps in most large cities.

[Via: autocar]