BMW will launch a brand new X5 mannequin providing 5 completely different drivetrain applied sciences, making it the primary automobile to mix battery electrical, plug-in hybrid, petrol, diesel, and hydrogen gasoline cell choices in a single mannequin vary. The hydrogen gasoline cell variant, branded the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, will enter manufacturing in 2028 as the corporate’s first series-produced hydrogen automobile.
“By launching the brand new BMW X5 with a alternative of 5 drive system variants, we’re as soon as once more demonstrating our main place as a know-how pioneer,” mentioned Joachim Publish, Member of the Board of Administration of BMW AG, Growth, at a BMW occasion in New York. “Hydrogen has an important half to play in world decarbonisation, which is why we’re dedicated to driving the know-how ahead.”
The iX5 Hydrogen will use a third-generation gasoline cell system developed in collaboration with Toyota Motor Company. BMW states this technique contains a extra compact design with improved energy and effectivity in comparison with earlier generations, leading to elevated vary and output whereas lowering vitality consumption. Prototypes are presently being constructed at BMW’s competence centres in Munich and on the BMW Group Plant Steyr, with extra drive system parts sourcing from the corporate’s Landshut facility.
The multi-drivetrain method displays BMW’s technology-open technique for assembly various buyer calls for globally. From 2028, the BMW lineup will embrace each battery electrical and hydrogen gasoline cell automobiles as absolutely electrical choices. The corporate’s manufacturing constructions are designed to accommodate this vary of applied sciences effectively throughout improvement, buying and manufacturing processes.
BMW positions hydrogen as a complementary know-how to battery electrical programs, notably for functions the place batteries could not present optimum options. The corporate views hydrogen as an vitality storage medium for renewable sources that may assist steadiness provide and demand within the electrical grid.
Past automobile improvement, BMW is taking part within the HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale) initiative to develop hydrogen refueling infrastructure. This program goals to help hydrogen ecosystems in metropolitan areas by pooling demand throughout completely different automobile varieties together with vehicles, buses and passenger automobiles to enhance financial viability of hydrogen stations.
The initiative operates via partnerships with business and institutional contributors, focusing initially on current ecosystems in Germany and France throughout a pilot section. This system shares experiences throughout tasks and gives business companion help to maximise the potential of hydrogen infrastructure investments.
“The brand new BMW iX5 Hydrogen will probably be a real BMW – pioneering in its class and delivering the BMW typical driving pleasure,” mentioned Michael Rath, Vice President Hydrogen Autos BMW Group. The automobile follows profitable world testing of BMW’s pilot hydrogen fleet, marking the transition from experimental know-how to business manufacturing for the German automaker.
