BMW brings hydrogen cars to the road: here is the iX5 Hydrogen
After four years of development work, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle and development project is nearing a viable reality. The zero-emissions SUV has hit the road for the next critical stage of the project. Is hydrogen a suitable alternative to electric vehicles? The post BMW brings hydrogen cars to the road: here is the iX5 Hydrogen appeared first on CAR Magazine.
The BMW Group is presenting international media representatives with the first vehicles in a pilot fleet that will go into service this year. After four years of development work, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle and development project is entering its critical next phase.
Image: BMW
The iX5 Hydrogen is the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle produced by BMW and it is based on the company’s popular X5 SUV model. The iX5 Hydrogen uses a fuel cell system to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, which is used to power the car’s electric motor. The only emissions produced by the iX5 Hydrogen are water vapor, making it a zero-emission vehicle.
The pilot fleet of iX5 Hydrogen vehicles were recently launched in Germany and consists of under 100 examples that will be used to gather data and feedback from real-world driving conditions. The aim of the pilot program is to test the technology and infrastructure required to support a fleet of hydrogen vehicles and to evaluate the potential of hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
Image: BMW
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen developed on the basis of the current BMW X5 was first unveiled as a concept at the IAA show in 2019. Initial prototypes were then made available at the IAA Mobility 2021 for visitors to experience in action as shuttle vehicles.
The hydrogen fuel cell system is further proof of the BMW Group’s leading development expertise in the field of electric drive technologies. BMW is systematically pushing forward with the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology as an additional option for locally emission-free individual mobility in the future.
Image: BMW
The BMW Group produces highly efficient fuel cell systems for the pilot fleet at its in-house competence centre for hydrogen in Munich. In combination with a highly integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology (the electric motor, transmission and power electronics are grouped together in a compact housing) at the rear axle and a powerful battery with lithium-ion technology developed specifically for this vehicle, the powertrain channels maximum output of 295 kW onto the road. In coasting overrun and braking phases, the motor also serves as a generator, feeding energy back into a power battery.
The post BMW brings hydrogen cars to the road: here is the iX5 Hydrogen appeared first on CAR Magazine.
(Excluding for the Headline, this article ("story") has not been edited by MiBiz News and is published from a web feed or sourced from the Internet.)
