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BMW claims that a new kind of tank made from composite materials will overcome many of the problems posed by hydrogen storage that have inhibited the uptake of the fuel for automotive applications.

BMW Group Forschung und Technik demonstrated a free-form version of the tank at a European Union hybrids event in France.

The tank weighs a third of a conventional steel tank and the hydrogen handling and temperature control systems are contained within the tank itself, reducing the amount of space it takes up.

The inner tank is designed modularly, which BMW says will simplify the eventual production process.

Raymond Freymann, director of BMW's research arm, said: "The demonstration model of the new free-form tank marks an important step forward into the hydrogen future. Filled with 10kg of hydrogen, it could allow a range well in excess of 500km in a future vehicle."

BMW has been working with suppliers from both the automotive and aerospace sectors on the tank. The project cost €18.7 million with EU funding providing €10.7 million of that.