The BMW Group has presented the iX5 hydrogen vehicle and development project following four years of development.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen was developed on the basis of the current BMW X5, which was first unveiled as a concept at the IAA show in 2019. Initial prototypes were made available at the IAA Mobility 2021 for visitors to experience in action as shuttle vehicles.
The hydrogen fuel cell system generates a high continuous output of 125 kW/170 hp with the technological equivalents of features found on combustion engines. The BMW Group also developed special hydrogen components for its new fuel cell system, including a high-speed compressor with turbine and a high-voltage coolant pump.
In combination with an integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and a power battery with lithium-ion technology, the powertrain channels maximum output of 295kW / 401 hp onto the road. In coasting overrun and braking phases, the motor also serves as a generator, feeding energy back into a power battery.
A fleet of 100 vehicles will now be trialled internationally, the manufacturer also said.
Speaking about the vehicle and the technology, Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, said: “Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that has a key role to play in the energy transition process and therefore in climate protection. After all, it is one of the most efficient ways of storing and transporting renewable energies.
“We should use this potential to also accelerate the transformation of the mobility sector. Hydrogen is the missing piece in the jigsaw when it comes to emission-free mobility. One technology on its own will not be enough to enable climate-neutral mobility worldwide.”
The news comes as, by 2030 at the latest, the BMW Group is looking to reach a situation where fully electric vehicles are more than 50% share of its overall sales. But the BMW Group also views Fuel Cell EV technology as a potential addition to the drive technology used by battery-electric vehicles, it said.
Image from BMW
