BMW will launch a brand new X5 mannequin providing 5 totally different drivetrain applied sciences, making it the primary car to mix battery electrical, plug-in hybrid, petrol, diesel, and hydrogen gasoline cell choices in a single mannequin vary. The hydrogen gasoline cell variant, branded the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, will enter manufacturing in 2028 as the corporate’s first series-produced hydrogen car.
“By launching the brand new BMW X5 with a alternative of 5 drive system variants, we’re as soon as once more demonstrating our main place as a expertise pioneer,” mentioned Joachim Publish, Member of the Board of Administration of BMW AG, Growth, at a BMW occasion in New York. “Hydrogen has an important half to play in international decarbonisation, which is why we’re dedicated to driving the expertise ahead.”
The iX5 Hydrogen will use a third-generation gasoline cell system developed in collaboration with Toyota Motor Company. BMW states this technique contains a extra compact design with improved energy and effectivity in comparison with earlier generations, leading to elevated vary and output whereas decreasing power consumption. Prototypes are at present being constructed at BMW’s competence centres in Munich and on the BMW Group Plant Steyr, with further drive system elements sourcing from the corporate’s Landshut facility.
The multi-drivetrain method displays BMW’s technology-open technique for assembly various buyer calls for globally. From 2028, the BMW lineup will embrace each battery electrical and hydrogen gasoline cell automobiles as totally electrical choices. The corporate’s manufacturing buildings are designed to accommodate this vary of applied sciences effectively throughout growth, buying and manufacturing processes.
BMW positions hydrogen as a complementary expertise to battery electrical programs, notably for purposes the place batteries could not present optimum options. The corporate views hydrogen as an power storage medium for renewable sources that may assist steadiness provide and demand within the electrical grid.
Past car growth, BMW is collaborating within the HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale) initiative to increase hydrogen refueling infrastructure. This program goals to assist hydrogen ecosystems in metropolitan areas by pooling demand throughout totally different car sorts together with vehicles, buses and passenger vehicles to enhance financial viability of hydrogen stations.
The initiative operates by way of partnerships with trade and institutional individuals, focusing initially on current ecosystems in Germany and France throughout a pilot part. This system shares experiences throughout tasks and offers trade companion assist to maximise the potential of hydrogen infrastructure investments.
“The brand new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will probably be a real BMW – pioneering in its class and delivering the BMW typical driving pleasure,” mentioned Michael Rath, Vice President Hydrogen Autos BMW Group. The car follows profitable international testing of BMW’s pilot hydrogen fleet, marking the transition from experimental expertise to business manufacturing for the German automaker.
