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BMW confirmed once again, earlier today, that a BMW X5 hydrogen fuel-cell SUV will arrive in 2022. Chief Executive Officer Oliver Zipse said for Bloomberg that the technology “could have the potential to become another pillar in the portfolio of BMW,”. BMW introduced the concept version, dubbed the BMW i Hydrogen Next, at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show.
Another pillar of the principle called “Power of Choice” is the second generation of the BMW fuel cell drive; currently being prepared in the research and technology center. Thus, getting a choice between gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric drive. Not for long, the hydrogen fuel cell will also be an option.
Based on the current BMW X5 G05, the fuel-cell in the luxury SUV will provide 170 hp. Powered by electric motors, the vehicle will have a system output of 374 hp. The only “waste product” will be the pure water vapor the fuel cell creates from the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. Therefore, making the BMW i Hydrogen Next (BMW X5 hydrogen fuel-cell) an effectively locally emission-free.
The energy reserves can be replenished within a few minutes which is very different to a purely battery-powered vehicle like the BMW iNext, which also has a similar dimensions. Hydrogen fill-up can only be done in less than five minutes as compared to the maximum charging time of an electric vehicle that is 30 minutes. The two 700 bar tanks can fit in a total of 6 kilograms of hydrogen. Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Corp. will supply the fuel cells for the vehicles.
BMW said in a statement Friday, starting in 2022, the i Hydrogen NEXT will get its limited production run. Germany has presented a 7-billion euro plan last month in bolstering the technology and supporting the domestic hydrogen industry. Also, setting a target of 5 gigawatts of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, intent to double by 2035.
