BMW Launches iX5 Hydrogen Global Pilot Fleet, Powered by Toyota Fuel Cells

Aside from top Japanese marques like Toyota and Honda, BMW has also delved into the hydrogen fuel cell technology by developing a fuel cell (FCEV) crossover, dubbed as the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. Years after the initial development, the iX5 Hydrogen has finally entered the critical phase of its development as the Bavarian marque has recently launched a pilot fleet of the model.

Said pilot fleet is composed of less than 100 units that will be introduced to various markets around the globe for demonstration and trial purposes “for various target groups” later this year. This pilot program will provide opportunities for folks to try out and experience the iX5 Hydrogen first hand, while directly participating in its development before its official market launch.

Commenting on the marque’s venture into carbon neutral alternatives aside from battery-powered EVs (BEVs), BMW chairman Oliver Zipse described hydrogen as “a versatile energy source that has a key role to play in the energy transition process and therefore in climate protection”.

“We should use this potential to also accelerate the transformation of the mobility sector. Hydrogen is the missing piece in the jigsaw when it comes to emission-free mobility. One technology on its own will not be enough to enable climate-neutral mobility worldwide.” the chairman added.

Debuted as a concept at the IAA Auto Show back in 2019, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen started out as a standard BMW X5 crossover built at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, US, before being shipped to the marque’s Research and Innovation Center in Munich. The iX5 Hydrogen is then fitted with the FCEV powertrain layout comprises of two large hydrogen tanks, fuel cell system, as well as the driving unit that combines the electric motor, transmission, and the electronics into a single compact package.

Said fuel cell system built in-house by BMW, where the individual fuel cells are sourced from renowned FCEV marque, Toyota. The two automotive giants’ collaboration can be traced back to the year 2013, where such partnership had not only revolved around the development of FCEV, but also spawned the production of the new-gen Toyota Supra sportscar.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen boasts a power output of 401 HP (295 kW) that is good enough to propel it from nought to 100 KM/H in less than 6 seconds, with a capped V-max of 180 KM/H. BMW claims that the iX5 Hydrogen can travel up to 504 KM on a single full tank, while refuelling only takes about three to four minutes.