The Epitome of Sustainability, BMW Group, To Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

BMW Group recently revealed that the BMW iX5 Hydrogen would be presented at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich. At the moment, the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is still in series development. 

However, visitors will experience the hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain while they are driven along the exhibition grounds. In regards to this, by the end of 2022, we should see a small series of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen for demonstration and testing purposes. 

“With its high-performance fuel cell and optimised power battery, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen’s drive system is unique in the world. With this, we are forging new paths for sustainable driving pleasure,” said the head of BMW Group Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Vehicle Projects, Juergen Guldner. 

In the future, the BMW i brand could also come up with vehicles that use hydrogen fuel cell drivetrains, on top of the battery-electric models such as the BMW i3, BMW iX3, BMW iX and BMW i4.

This technology could be the perfect addition to the BMW Group’s electrified drivetrain portfolio. Not only that, this technology could also aid with the needs of consumers who cannot access electric charging infrastructures, frequently do long-distance drives or crave more flexibility - as long as the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy and the necessary infrastructure is available.

Elements of the model that highlight the BMW i brand include the inner edging of the BMW kidney grille, the inserts in the 22-inch aerodynamic wheels, and the attachments in the outer portion of the rear apron - all in BMW i Blue. Not forget the entry sills and cover trim for the instrument panel with a “hydrogen fuel cell” badge.

Some features on the model that come from the BMW Group’s Additive Manufacturing Campus include the ornamental grilles covering the BMW kidney grille, the lower and two outer air inlets and the body elements for the lower rear end trim. With this, the company can use 3D printing to develop the prototype and also standard parts. 

For even more sustainability, the aerodynamic wheels on the BMW iX5 come with sustainably produced tyres made of natural rubber and rayon. To extract these raw materials, the company is to comply with the standards of the independent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) organisation.

So how does it work? The BMW iX5 Hydrogen combines fuel cell technology with a fifth-generation BMW eDrive, where the drive system converts hydrogen into electricity in a fuel cell. This delivers an electrical output of 125 kW/170 hp, with water vapour as the only emission. 

Also used in the BMW iX is an electric motor produced from the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. It delivers a system output of 275 kW/374 hp. 

Did you know that two 700-bar tanks made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) hold together almost six kgs of hydrogen used to supply the fuel cell?

“Filling up the hydrogen tanks only takes three to four minutes – so there are no limits on using the BMW iX5 Hydrogen for long distances, with just a few shortstops in-between,” Guldner added.

According to the BMW Group, it welcomes and supports activities to promote innovation in Germany and Europe to help build a hydrogen economy and accelerate the production of green hydrogen. Among these include large-scale hydrogen projects classified as Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI).