Posted on 28 Feb 2023
BMW Group is launching a pilot hydrogen fuel cell fleet with roughly 100 BMW iX5 Hydrogen cars being trialled internationally ahead of potential series production, Kallanish reports.
The German carmaker said in a statement on Monday the FCEVs will deliver valuable knowledge through demonstration and trial purposes for various target groups. Initial prototypes were put to the public test in 2021 as shuttle vehicles, and the concept was unveiled in 2019.
With two 700-bar tanks, the vehicle can store 6 kilograms of hydrogen (gaseous) and deliver a WLTP range of 504 kilometres (313 miles). Integrated with a lithium-ion battery, the car can deliver a maximum output of 295 kilowatts/401 horsepower. Acceleration from 0-100 km/hour takes less than six seconds, and hydrogen refuelling takes 3-4 minutes.
BMW is currently producing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen at its pilot plant in the Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich. It sources fuel cells from Toyota, but the system and other components are produced in-house, ready for mass production.
“With the right conditions, hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to become a further pillar in the BMW Group’s drive train portfolio for local CO2-free mobility,” the company says.
It notes that for hydrogen to complement its battery-electric offerings, there must be competitive and sufficient production of green hydrogen, as well as corresponding filling infrastructure. Most industrialised countries are taking the lead on backing hydrogen, the carmaker says, adding its support to German and European activities supporting a hydrogen economy.
After four years of development, BMW Group is yet to give an indication of when the FCEV model will make it into series production. At least 50% of the group’s total sales should be of BEVs globally by 2030.
Source:Kallanish
