BMW iX5 Hydrogen exists for “geopolitical resilience”

Though automobile producers haven’t gone all in on hydrogen gasoline cell expertise the way in which that they’ve with battery electrical automobiles, every now and then we get information of a brand new hydrogen automobile being developed. That is the most recent one from BMW, a hydrogen gasoline cell model of the BMW X5 that it’s calling the BMW iX5 Hydrogen.

Attention-grabbing to see the X5 decked out in zero emissions kind as a result of a battery EV BMW iX5 doesn’t exist, as a substitute the electrical SUV mannequin positioned above the iX3 is the BMW iX. The iX5 Hydrogen will get swathes of blue round its physique, and notably the kidney grille nonetheless appears to be like like a grille as a substitute of being blanked out like on the i4 and iX3.

The gasoline cell system is within the engine bay. Two hydrogen tanks are saved within the centre tunnel and beneath the rear seat. A small battery together with an electrical motor is positioned within the rear axle space. You could be questioning, why is there nonetheless a battery? Sure, hydrogen gasoline cell automobiles are nonetheless EVs with a battery. The hydrogen gasoline cell prices this battery, and additionally it is used for brake regeneration.

In accordance with BMW board member Frank Weber, hydrogen gasoline cell expertise isn’t depending on essential uncooked supplies like cobalt, lithium or nickel, so investing on this expertise ensures BMW Group has strengthened ‘geopolitical resilience’.

The iX5 Hydrogen shall be out there in chosen areas from spring 2023 as a ‘expertise demonstrator’.