BMW iX5: Hydrogen SUV Enters Production

BMW begins assembling the first units of the hydrogen-powered iX5. More than a production model, this vehicle is a technological showcase and will be produced on a small scale.

A few days after Toyota and its Corolla Cross H2, it is now BMW’s turn to highlight its interest in hydrogen. The German company has announced that it has started production of the iX5, an electric model powered by a fuel cell. This technology differs from that of the Corolla Cross H2, which uses hydrogen to operate an internal combustion engine.

The BMW iX5’s body is manufactured in the United States, at the factory that produces the X5. The installation of hydrogen propulsion and its components takes place at the pilot facility of the Munich Research and Innovation Center.

The hydrogen-powered BMW X5 will not be part of the German automaker’s catalog, but will be used “as a technological demonstration model for carbon-neutral mobility in selected regions starting from spring 2023.”

Hydrogen, a path worth exploring for BMW

“We are convinced that [hydrogen] will become (…) significantly more relevant in individual mobility, and therefore we believe that in the long term, a mix of electric propulsion using batteries and fuel cells makes sense”, explains Frank Weber, a member of BMW AG’s management board responsible for development. “Our BMW iX5 Hydrogen trial fleet will help us gather new essential data, enabling us to offer our customers an attractive range of products when the hydrogen sector becomes viable on a large scale.”

BMW’s position is not shared by the entire industry. Some players believe that hydrogen can only be practical for large transport vehicles carrying goods or passengers.

Also read: BMW i4: new entry-level for the electric sedan