BMW iX5 Hydrogen manufacturing has commenced at the automaker’s Munich factory. A hydrogen fuel cell and an e-motor with a combined output of 374PS power the vehicle. The X5 SUV’s aesthetics and functions are substantially unaltered from the ICE-powered model. The iX5 will not be offered for purchase by private individuals, but it will be utilised to build future Hydrogen EVs.
BMW has been developing a hydrogen-powered X5 SUV for some time, testing it in various climes and establishing a novel technology for small-batch manufacture. The manufacturer has commenced production of a limited batch of iX5 fuel cell electric cars (FCEVs), which will be used to demonstrate the company’s technology beginning in early 2023. While the iX5 will not be available for purchase, it will pave the way for future BMW Hydrogen-powered EVs.
“Hydrogen is a flexible energy source that will play an important part in achieving climate neutrality.” We are confident that hydrogen will become increasingly important for individual mobility, and we believe that a combination of battery and fuel cell electric motor systems is a sound long-term strategy.” – Frank Weber, Member of the BMW AG Board of Management
Hydrogen cars have been on the market for more than a decade, but they remain a tiny niche in the global automotive market, selling almost exclusively in select European and North American countries. The storage of the gas itself, procuring and supplying hydrogen at fuel stations, and building cars at scale are all challenges for hydrogen cars.
The BMW iX5 is powered by the carmaker’s e-Drive technology, which produces 374PS.
From the driver’s seat, a hydrogen-powered EV resembles a battery electric vehicle. However, hydrogen cars have certain advantages: they can be refuelled as quickly as an ICE vehicle and have a longer range than most battery EVs.
However, due to its exorbitant R&D expenses, hydrogen EVs are frequently more expensive than battery EVs. Furthermore, hydrogen filling facilities are scarcer and farther apart than EV charging stations.
It will be a long time before hydrogen EVs are viable for everyday users, but with the new iX5 Hydrogen, BMW is well-positioned to meet demand when it arises.
The anode receives a fuel, like as hydrogen, while the cathode receives air. A catalyst at the anode of a hydrogen fuel cell splits hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons, which travel in opposite directions to the cathode. Electrons flow through an external circuit, causing electricity to flow.
A hydrogen fuel cell is an electrochemical power generator that produces electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, with water and heat as byproducts. Simply said, hydrogen fuel cells generate energy that may be utilised to power a variety of devices ranging from commercial cars to drones.
FCEVs employ a propulsion system similar to that of electric cars, in which hydrogen energy is converted to electricity by the fuel cell. These cars, unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, emit no hazardous exhaust emissions.
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