It’s been almost half a century since BMW first experimented with hydrogen prototypes. Within the late Seventies, a first-generation 5 Sequence (E12) in 520i specification had its combustion engine reworked to run on liquid hydrogen for the 520H. Different take a look at vehicles adopted, together with V12-powered 7 Sequence sedans able to operating on each gasoline and hydrogen. Newer efforts, nevertheless, have centered solely on gasoline cell prototypes. Come 2028, BMW’s first series-production hydrogen automotive gained’t use a combustion engine both.
Three years forward of launch, BMW is laying the groundwork by commencing prototype gasoline cell manufacturing at its Steyr and Munich websites. Sequence manufacturing of the gasoline cell system will start in 2028 on the Steyr facility, whereas sure drive system elements can be inbuilt Landshut. The latter website will begin including the mandatory gear for sequence manufacturing in Might 2026.
This new gasoline cell system is billed because the third era. The unique setup, used within the 2010s, was borrowed totally from Toyota. The second era powers the iX5 pilot fleet. In these SUVs, solely the person cells come from Toyota. The remainder of the system was developed in-house by BMW.
The upcoming setup can be a joint effort between the 2 firms to drive down prices. In comparison with present {hardware}, it is going to be 25% smaller for simpler packaging in manufacturing automobiles. A a lot larger energy density will make it potential with out negatively affecting effectivity. BMW additionally highlights a excessive degree of integration, making it potential to deploy the hydrogen system throughout a number of platforms.
BMW and Toyota additionally promise enhancements that can profit clients immediately: better vary, extra energy, and decrease power consumption. Whereas BMW has but to disclose the identification of its first hydrogen mannequin, we’ve reported it should doubtless be the X5. Not the present model, however the next-generation X5 (G65) launching in 2026.
Initially supplied with gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric drivetrains, the posh SUV is anticipated to realize a gasoline cell hydrogen variant two years into its life cycle. Studies additionally recommend the fifth-gen X5 might obtain an EV spinoff with a range-extending gasoline engine serving as a generator.
Supply: BMW
