BMW Is Already Making Next-Gen Fuel Cell Hydrogen Prototypes

It’s been practically half a century since BMW first experimented with hydrogen prototypes. Within the late Seventies, a first-generation 5 Collection (E12) in 520i specification had its combustion engine reworked to run on liquid hydrogen for the 520h. Different check automobiles adopted, together with V12-powered 7 Collection sedans able to working on each gasoline and hydrogen. More moderen efforts, nonetheless, have centered solely on gasoline cell prototypes. Come 2028, BMW’s first series-production hydrogen automotive gained’t use a combustion engine both.

Three years forward of launch, BMW is laying the groundwork by commencing prototype gasoline cell manufacturing at its Steyr and Munich websites. Collection manufacturing of the gasoline cell system will start in 2028 on the Steyr facility, whereas sure drive system elements can be inbuilt Landshut. The latter website will begin including the mandatory gear for collection manufacturing in Might 2026.

This new gasoline cell system is billed because the third technology. The unique setup, used within the 2010s, was borrowed completely from Toyota. The second technology powers the iX5 pilot fleet. In these SUVs, solely the person cells come from Toyota. The remainder of the system was developed in-house by BMW.

The upcoming setup can be a joint effort between the 2 corporations to drive down prices. In comparison with present {hardware}, will probably be 25% smaller for simpler packaging in manufacturing automobiles. A a lot larger energy density will make it doable with out negatively affecting effectivity. BMW additionally highlights a excessive degree of integration, making it doable to deploy the hydrogen system throughout a number of platforms.

BMW and Toyota additionally promise enhancements that can profit prospects straight: higher vary, extra energy, and decrease vitality consumption. Whereas BMW has but to disclose the identification of its first hydrogen mannequin, we’ve reported it is going to possible be the X5. Not the present model, however the next-generation X5 (G65) launching in 2026.

Initially supplied with gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric drivetrains, the luxurious SUV is predicted to achieve a gasoline cell hydrogen variant two years into its life cycle. Experiences additionally recommend the fifth-gen X5 might obtain an EV by-product with a range-extending gasoline engine serving as a generator.

Supply: BMW