Get on the Gas

Last month, the BMW Group presented international media with the first few iX5 Hydrogen vehicles in a pilot fleet that will go into service this year. What goes into the making of a modern hydrogen fuel cell vehicle? We take you through the interesting bits

- Jim Gorde

THE HYDROGEN FUEL CELL electric vehicle (HFCEV) is touted by many to be the true saver of the planet thanks to carrying its energy source-the fuel cell-on board and not just storing the energy in a big and very heavy battery. After four years of development work, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle development project is entering its critical next phase.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen has been developed on the basis of the current BMW X5 and was first unveiled as a concept at the IAA show back in 2019. Initial prototypes were then made available at the IAA Mobility 2021 for visitors to experience in action as shuttle vehicles. The iX5's hydrogen fuel cell system is proof of BMW's leading development expertise in the field of electric drive technologies. The Group has systematically been pushing forward with the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology as an additional option for locally emission-free individual mobility in the future.

The fleet of nearly 100 vehicles will be employed internationally for demonstration and trial purposes for specific target groups. This active driving experience will be the first chance for people not involved in the development process to get a direct impression of what the BMW iX5 Hydrogen has to offer.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell

The BMW Group produce the highly efficient fuel cell systems for the pilot fleet at their in-house competence centre for hydrogen in Munich. This technology is one of the core elements in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and results in the generation of a high continuous output of 125 kW (170 hp) and a considerable peak output of 295 kW (401 hp).