BMW has moved the iX5 Hydrogen into its next development phase, with prototypes now undergoing road testing while preparations gather pace for series production of its third-generation fuel-cell system.
Testing is concentrating on how the fuel-cell system, electric motor, high-voltage battery, hydrogen storage and central Energy Master control unit work together under demanding conditions.
BMW is also tuning the system for the performance expected of an X5, targeting 0-100kph in under five seconds.
The production model is being developed with a range of up to 750km on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), while refuelling is expected to take less than five minutes. BMW cautions that the range figure applies to prototypes and is not yet a binding homologated figure.
Its hydrogen drivetrain uses a third-generation fuel-cell system co-developed by BMW and Toyota.
Hydrogen reacts with oxygen inside the fuel cell to generate electricity, which then powers the electric motor. A high-voltage battery supports the system and also allows greater energy recuperation.
Prototype assembly of the latest fuel-cell system is meanwhile moving into another phase at BMW’s Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich. Work there is now focused on validating testing procedures and preparing the manufacturing process for industrialisation.
BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria will eventually build the fuel-cell systems. Test benches and manufacturing equipment are already being installed there, while employees are being trained ahead of the production ramp-up.
BMW previously confirmed that series production of the third-generation system is due to begin in 2028. Other drivetrain components will come from its Landshut facility in Germany.
The iX5 Hydrogen will become BMW Group’s first series-production hydrogen passenger vehicle. It will join the next-generation X5 range, which BMW says will eventually offer five drivetrain choices: battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol, diesel and hydrogen fuel cell.
For BMW, hydrogen is being developed as a complement to battery-electric vehicles rather than their replacement, particularly for applications where long range, fast refuelling and flexibility are priorities.
