BMW Continues Testing Its Hydrogen SUV

By testing its BMW iX5 prototype, the German manufacturer confirms its intention to launch a hydrogen vehicle in the coming years.

Already popular in trucks and utility vehicles, hydrogen still struggles to establish itself in cars. However, Hyundai reiterated its iX35 FCEV experience by launching the Nexo in 2018. Only, the latest electric plan for 2030 did not focus on hydrogen. Could the wind be changing?

At Toyota, the story continues, with the Mirai entering its second generation. But like Hyundai, attention was more on the family of 30 future electric models, announced in December. This does not prevent the Japanese manufacturer from continuing, alongside its partner BMW.

The BMW iX5 in the Snow Class

The German brand is working on hydrogen technology, building on Toyota’s technology. The first result of this collaboration was the BMW i Hydrogen Next concept car in 2019. Unlike the Series 7 of the 2000s, it is not a hydrogen combustion engine, but a fuel cell.

Appearing identical to the thermal model, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen (new name) houses the electric motor of the iX, developing 374 horsepower (275 kW). Without batteries to power it, hydrogen (reacting with oxygen in the fuel cell) supplies the electricity onboard via two 3 kg tanks at 700 bar pressure.

Today, BMW reports on its cold-weather tests. It is in Arjeplog (Sweden), a favorite testing ground for automotive brands, that the iX5 is testing its electric system and hydrogen refueling in polar temperatures. According to the Bavarian company, the tanks are still filled in just 4 minutes.

Launch in 2025?

As for a BMW iX5 hydrogen in dealerships, it’s not for tomorrow. A very limited series is expected to arrive in 2023, a condition to validate full-scale production in 2025.

Meanwhile, BMW appears cautious about hydrogen technology. While electric dominates with announcements (platform Neue Klasse, upcoming i7 or iX1), the manufacturer has not indicated any other developments besides the iX5. Will it be a one-shot, a single vehicle during the Toyota-BMW collaboration? Only the future will tell.

And Soon Renault?

Beyond the three mentioned brands, Renault could be the fourth member of the exclusive circle of hydrogen cars. The next concept car from the diamond brand is highly anticipated, first previewed in February. The vehicle is expected in May 2022, but remains shrouded in mystery, although it might hint at the next electric Scenic 2024.

Suggesting a hydrogen-powered engine, this concept was recognized as a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine. However, the CEO offered a different perspective, “it might be an electric vehicle, or hydrogen”. If electric, it would likely involve a fuel cell, or so it seems. Renault might adopt an electric vehicle combining a hydrogen combustion engine as a range extender.

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