BMW iX5 Hydrogen hydrogen fuel cell SUV starts production and road test next year
CTOnews.com BMW, like a growing number of automakers, is committed to tackling global climate change, aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050. However, unlike many automakers, the German brand believes hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will play an important role in achieving this goal, and of course battery electric vehicles.
BMW yesterday announced the start of low-volume production of its BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel-cell SUV. The iX5 Hydrogen is similar in efficiency and performance to similar PHEVs, and its production marks a milestone for BMW and hydrogen vehicles.
CTOnews.com understands that next spring, BMW iX5 will hit the road in selected locations around the world for testing purposes.
The iX5 is based on the regular BMW X5, built at the company's factory in Spartansburg, South Carolina, and assembled at BMW's Research and Innovation Center in Munich, Germany. The iX5 features an all-new floor to house the fuel cell system's two hydrogen tanks, which are located in the center aisle and under the rear seats of this midsize SUV. The hydrogen tanks have a total capacity of about 16 pounds and provide energy for the fuel cell stack under the hood.
BMW says the iX5's entire fuel-cell-electric system produces 374 horsepower combined, and its body weight is comparable to that of the plug-in hybrid X5, which weighs 5627 pounds. BMW claims the iX5 can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in seven seconds, with a top speed of 118 mph. The expected range is approximately 310 miles (498.9km), based on European WLTP conditions.
BMW believes that fuel cell powertrains will provide a carbon-free alternative for customers whose needs cannot be met by electric vehicles. The company also believes that hydrogen power will help offset the challenges of electrification, especially in medium and heavy trucks. In addition, BMW said that more than 40 countries around the world have developed strategies for hydrogen power.
For now, the BMW iX5 is only in production as a pilot project, but it could lay the groundwork for BMW's future fuel-cell vehicles.
