bmw it does not focus only on the electricity of the future. As you know, the German manufacturer looks profitable also to hydrogen bonding technology. It is for this reason that the company has developed a fuel cell variant of its X5 SUV through collaboration with Toyota. There BMW iX5 Hydrogen will be released in a limited number of copies.
A small fleet of fuel cell SUVs to be manufactured by BMW will be used. in a series of pilot projects which will serve to test the validity of this technology and its potential in the future. Vehicles will be on their way starting from spring 2023. If the feedback that the manufacturer receives on the use of these vehicles is positive, it may decide in the future to create new models based on fuel cell technology.
In fact, the German brand is confident that hydrogen is destined to play an increasingly important role in the future and for this reason is considering it as another option to complement 100% electric vehicles. And just about this Frank WeberA BMW board member commented:
We are confident that hydrogen will become essential for personal mobility and therefore see a combination of battery-electric and fuel cells as a reasonable long-term approach. Fuel cells also do not require critical raw materials such as cobalt, lithium or nickel, so by investing in this type of drive system we are also strengthening the geopolitical resilience of the BMW Group. Our BMW iX5 Hydrogen test fleet will provide us with valuable new insights that will allow us to introduce a range of exciting products to customers once the hydrogen ecosystem becomes a reality.
Speaking of the new Fuel Cell SUV, the German brand has added a few small details in addition to those already known. From the Spartanburg plant in the USA comes the “base” of the car. The X5 SUV was then modified in Germany with the introduction of a new platform specifically designed to integrate hydrogen tanks, a fuel cell system and an electric motor. In particular, BMW placed two tanks in the central tunnel and under the rear seat. Tanks capable of holding up to 6 kg of hydrogen (at a pressure of 700 bar).
We remind you that the power unit has fifth generation eDrive electric motor 275 kW/374 hp The engine is located near the rear axle (together with an unspecified capacity battery). Fuel cells located under the hood of the SUV provide a constant power of 125 kW / 170 hp.
BMW believes strongly in the fuel cell. All that is left is to understand how this project will continue and whether the German manufacturer will indeed continue to create new models that will debut in the coming years.
s
Source: HD Motori
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.