BMW was one of many first automakers to experiment with hydrogen, starting within the late Nineteen Seventies. It began with a 5 Collection (E12), developed in collaboration with the German Aerospace Analysis Institute. The 520h retained a combustion engine tailored to run on each gasoline and hydrogen. Subsequent prototypes additionally burned gasoline. There was a 7 Collection (E23) in 1980, one other 7er (E32) in 1988, adopted by the better-known 750hL (E38) in 2000, powered by a mighty V12.
The V12-powered Hydrogen 7 (E65) is probably the most recognizable BMW hydrogen automobile, though the H2H File Automobile additionally garnered consideration with its twelve-cylinder engine. Nevertheless, it has been a very long time because the German luxurious automaker moved away from hydrogen-powered combustion engines, shifting focus as an alternative to gas cells. Why the change?
Juergen Guldner, Normal Program Supervisor of Hydrogen Know-how, defined BMW’s give attention to gas cell hydrogen to Driving Hydrogen journal. He cited packaging constraints, noting {that a} combustion engine occupies important area underneath the hood: “Given restricted area in passenger automobiles, this makes gas cells the good choice [compared to ICE].” Whereas he acknowledged {that a} combustion engine would possibly make extra sense in a truck, he emphasised that gas cells are the popular resolution for automobiles.
Effectivity additionally performed a big position within the choice. BMW deserted hydrogen combustion engines as a result of gas cells supply “about two-thirds extra vary in comparison with combustion.” Refueling instances are comparable, with Guldner stating your entire course of takes simply 3–4 minutes.
Curiously, Guldner didn’t fully dismiss the thought of a high-performance M hydrogen automobile with a combustion engine. Whereas engineers aren’t presently creating such a powertrain, it stays a chance: “We’ll see what the long run holds.”
However why is BMW pursuing a hydrogen automobile in any respect? Scheduled for a 2028 launch, the upcoming mannequin is extensively anticipated to be the iX5, based mostly on the next-generation X5 (G65) that’s set to reach subsequent yr. Guldner argues that battery-powered EVs aren’t appropriate for everybody, primarily as a result of underdeveloped charging infrastructure.
A hydrogen car additionally makes use of fewer uncommon earth components in comparison with a traditional electrical automobile, lowering environmental pressure. The mass adoption of battery EVs will drive up demand for lithium and cobalt, whereas gas cells are much less resource-intensive.
BMW is assured that its 2028 hydrogen car, developed in partnership with Toyota, will probably be as secure as any mannequin in its lineup. Guldner additionally claims hydrogen refueling is “easier and cleaner than filling up with petrol,” providing one other clear benefit.
That mentioned, the corporate’s first hydrogen mannequin is unlikely to be accessible globally. As of 2024, there have been solely simply over 1,000 refueling stations worldwide. The iX5 will probably be bought in California, the place Toyota has supplied the Mirai for years, albeit with restricted success.
Regardless of the infrastructure challenges, BMW believes “the timing is true.”
Supply: Driving Hydrogen
