How is BMW integrating hydrogen into its product line-up?

Following successful global testing of the pilot fleet, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen will be the first hydrogen-powered BMW Group production model released onto the market. Going forward, the new BMW X5 will offer customers the choice between a battery-electric drive train, plug-in hybrid, petrol, diesel or hydrogen fuel cell technology.

What is currently being tested in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen?

The focus of the current testing is on the interaction of all drive system components. This includes the fuel cell system, high-voltage battery, electric motor, hydrogen tanks and the overall system control unit. Efficiency, driving performance and driving dynamics will also be examined under different operating conditions.

How does the fuel cell system work?

Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen from the tanks reacts with oxygen from the ambient air in an electrochemical reaction. This generates the electric current that drives the electric motor and powers the vehicle. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen uses the third-generation fuel cell system co-developed by the BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation.

What are the advantages of hydrogen fuel cell technology?

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer locally emission-free driving, combining electric propulsion with short refuelling times. For the BMW Group, fuel cell technology supplements battery-electric vehicles primarily where high range and high versatility are required.