But if BMW's promise of luxury automobiles without the harmful emissions is to be believed, then hydrogen might just the fuel of the future.
Five liquid hydrogen-powered Hydrogen 7 saloons will be here from March 6 to 23 to show what "sustainable mobility" is all about, making Singapore the first country in South East Asia to host these cars - even before they make their appearance at the Beijing Olympics.
Four of these environmentally-friendly cars will provide chauffeured rides for VIPs, with a fifth car showcased in a purpose-built pavilion at the corner of Beach Road and Ophir Road.
LIQUID HYDROGEN
Each car draws power from a liquid hydrogen tank refrigerated at -253 degrees Celsius, or a conventional petrol tank.
Compared to conventional fossil fuel-powered cars that emit harmful pollutants like hydrocarbons, nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide, the Hydrogen 7 produces only water vapour as a by-product.
A mobile refuelling station - not unlike a large fuel tanker - will also make the trip here to supply liquid hydrogen to the cars.
If Hindenburg-esque images come to mind, BMW has given the assurance that their technology is completely safe.
WHY HYDROGEN?
Mr Roland Krueger, Managing Director of BMW Asia, said "(Hydrogen) technology is nearly zero emission, but still ensures the sheer driving pleasure that is the hallmark of all BMW cars.
"While other forms of alternative drive concepts such as hybrid drive, electric drive and natural gas drive have been explored and researched, we believe that hydrogen combustion is ultimately the best choice."
CLEAN, BUT FAST?
BMW has so far built about 100 of these hydrogen-powered cars, with one race-ready version - the H2R - breaking nine speed records for hydrogen combustion engines.
The H2R runs on a 6.0 litre, V12 engine (based on the engine in BMW's 760i) that produces 282 bhp, taking it from 0 - 100km/hr in 6 seconds, with a top speed of 301km/hr.
