BMW‘s Next Step to Hydrogen-Powered Future The confirmation that BMW will launch its first mass-production hydrogen by 2028 has thrust it right into the limelight in the hydrogen fuel cell space. As much as BMW has dabbled in hydrogen technologies since 1979, the latest development represents a leap over for the carmaker. It would form part of the company’s diverse sustainable mobility portfolio besides BEVs and ICEs. BMW has decided to extend the deal with one of the leading hydrogen technology car manufacturers: Toyota. A dream given should be materialized into an actual product.
The 396-horsepower iX5 Hydrogen SUV delivers up to 313 miles of range on a single refuel, making it an impressive contender in the zero-emissions vehicle market.
A Partnership That Could Reshape Hydrogen Mobility
This collaboration has been instrumental in furthering the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology, with Toyota providing the hydrogen fuel cells that power BMW’s prototype iX5 Hydrogen. While both firms are leveraging the combined expertise in their work, it is said by BMW that the production variant will be uniquely BMW, not just a reskinned Toyota.
For over a decade, Toyota has been manufacturing the hydrogen-powered Mirai sedan. By 2028, however, this car is a hydrogen car that BMW is most likely to launch in 2028, will be its very first, and its construction will be carried out based on an existing product, which is most likely to be a next-generation SUV from the CLAR platform of BMW.
BMW iX5 Hydrogen: What to Expect
Already, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is a test fleet of fewer than 100 units. Vehicles are assembled at the Spartanburg plant in the U.S. and modified in Munich. This prototype has already shown that hydrogen can easily compete with the traditional performance of a petrol car, even more so electric, in terms of refueling time.
This premium SUV features a 396-horsepower electric motor coupled with a pair of 700-bar hydrogen tanks made of CFRP. These tanks store six kilograms of hydrogen, giving this car a WLTP range of 313 miles or 504 kilometers. Refuel, and it’s just like filling up any normal gasoline or diesel, as it only takes around 3-4 minutes.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology: Why Now?
Hydrogen fuel cell technology holds a lot of promise for several reasons: unlike BEVs, which rely on lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be refuelled quickly and thus are ideal for long distances. It is easy to store and transport hydrogen, and it could be a very versatile fuel option that supplements renewable sources of energy.
BMW’s refocused emphasis on hydrogen comes in light of its broader strategy to offer multiple sustainable energy solutions, including BEVs and hybrids. Hydrogen is one of the many paths towards zero-emission transportation that has gained more traction in recent times with the increasing push toward climate-neutral mobility.
BMW’s Legacy in Hydrogen Research
It’s not like BMW is new to the hydrogen game, either. It’s built prototypes powered by the lightweight element since the late 1970s. First came the BMW 520h, with its internal combustion engine adapted to run on hydrogen. The company eventually started experimenting with hydrogen-powered versions of the 7 Series sedan in the early 2000s, including V12-powered E38 and E65 models.
But the study started at BMW gradually moved from hydrogen ICEs to fuel cells, which are far more efficient at converting hydrogen into energy. The outcome has been the iX5 Hydrogen, a prototype that epitomizes several decades of research and collaboration.
Look to the Future: BMW’s Hydrogen-Powered SUV
We could assume that the hydrogen SUV that is going to be introduced in 2028 shall be based on the next generation X5, built on the same versatile CLAR platform. Indeed, the CLAR supports various versions, including hydrogen fuel cell cars, traditional gas, diesel and plug-in hybrid models, and even fully electric ones. Some rumours even point to the fact that BMW is going to introduce a conventional electric SUV using this platform before the hydrogen variant.
While Neue Klasse, BMW’s dedicated electric architecture, is scheduled to debut within the next couple of years, it won’t find its way onto the company’s first hydrogen-powered model. Instead, BMW has decided to stick with the tried-and-tested CLAR platform, easily allowing the new hydrogen SUV to coexist with other powertrains in the lineup.
Hydrogen Mobility: The Future
BMW’s decision to invest in hydrogen technology aligns with the wider trend within the industry for greater diversification in the powertrain offering. Although battery-electric vehicles dominate zero-emission talk today, hydrogen has every chance of becoming an essential ingredient of the future energy mix. Hydrogen can boast several advantages: fast refueling, huge range, and efficient storage and transportation of energy.
With an expanding infrastructure for hydrogen refueling stations, BMW also believes its hydrogen-powered SUV will be more palatable to a greater number. The assorted technologies would be necessary for BMW to offer climate-neutral mobility worldwide. By 2028, consumers will see more choices than ever in sustainable driving options, including hydrogen.
KEY FEATURES
- Power Output: 401 hp (295 kW) from a combination of fuel cells and electric motor.
- Range: Up to 313 miles (504 kilometers) on a full tank of hydrogen.
- Refueling Time: Only 3-4 minutes for a full tank.
- Hydrogen Storage: Two 700-bar tanks made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
- Zero Emissions: The only byproduct is water vapor.