QUICK LINKSBMW has dabbled with hydrogen for many years — from the Hydrogen 7 luxurious sedans of the 2000s to more moderen prototypes that quietly examined the boundaries of gas cell expertise. Now, the corporate is making ready for its first-ever manufacturing hydrogen automobile. In 2028, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, primarily based on the upcoming G65-generation X5, will roll into showrooms. It received’t be simply one other drivetrain choice. For BMW, it marks an announcement: that the way forward for mobility is not going to be dominated by a single resolution.
We sat down with Michael Rath, Vice President Hydrogen Automobiles BMW Group, to debate what BMW has discovered thus far, how the iX5 will differ from earlier prototypes, and why the Munich model believes hydrogen belongs alongside EVs, hybrids, and combustion vehicles.
Classes from the Pilot Fleet
BMW’s pilot fleet of iX5 Hydrogen check vehicles was deployed throughout 20 international locations and clocked multiple million kilometers. Rath described the outcomes as each encouraging and academic. “We discovered that this expertise may be very mature and strong,” he stated. “It was very stunning that your entire system is so strong at this early stage of growth. Clients additionally cherished the driving expertise — the mixture of electrical smoothness with quicker refueling.”
Nonetheless, the check program revealed some minor sensible challenges. “There have been some minor factors we discovered when it comes to freeze preparation — how do you handle all of the water throughout the system when temperatures drop? That’s one thing we thought of for the collection mannequin.”
Why the X5?
Why launch hydrogen within the X5? Rath stated the selection was deliberate. “The iX5 might be out there with 5 drivetrains: combustion engine, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery electrical, and hydrogen gas cell,” he defined. “The X5 is a quantity pillar of our portfolio, operating all throughout the planet. And the larger the automobile, the larger the resistance — the higher hydrogen suits. It’s the fitting expertise.”
The choice additionally highlights the flexibility of BMW’s CLAR structure, which was designed from the begin to accommodate a number of powertrains.
A Third-Technology Gasoline Cell, Constructed with Toyota
BMW’s hydrogen growth continues in partnership with Toyota. The 2028 iX5 will debut a third-generation gas cell system that Rath described as a serious leap. “We collectively developed the system with Toyota, and each of our corporations deliver all our competencies into this cooperation. We did an enormous leap from the second technology to the third when it comes to effectivity, energy, and particularly quantity. The system is 25% smaller than earlier than.”
The downsizing wasn’t achieved by a single breakthrough, however by incremental enhancements throughout the system. “We lowered them in all dimensions — the water pump, the compressor, the air subsystem. Principally, throughout all elements we saved quantity.”
Packaging and On a regular basis Usability
Whereas integrating hydrogen tanks may increase issues about inside or baggage house, Rath harassed that the 2028 iX5 Hydrogen will really feel no completely different from its combustion or electrical counterparts in on a regular basis usability. “This automobile might be, from a buyer perspective, absolutely like all different drivetrains when it comes to baggage and compartments,” he stated. “There might be no restrictions devoted for hydrogen.”
When pressed in regards to the tank structure, Rath remained tight-lipped, declining to share specifics. He did, nevertheless, stress that prospects received’t discover a distinction in usability in comparison with ICE or BEV X5 fashions. Vary may even enhance. “We actually work laborious on the vary to supply greater than now, as a result of it’s essential at an early stage when station density is low.”
Infrastructure: The Largest Hurdle
On Location BMW iX5 Hydrogen AntwerpNo dialogue of hydrogen is full with out addressing infrastructure. BMW is aware of that with out stations, prospects received’t commit. Rath defined that BMW is partnering with power suppliers and different automakers to make fueling viable.
“We have now an initiative partnering with a number of corporations who’re into the hydrogen sport, to essentially mix all our calls for on the pump,” he stated. “We group as much as bundle calls for from all car varieties and outline places the place refueling stations can work on a worthwhile foundation, so that they’re coming to remain.”
When pressed on whether or not BMW may discover dealer-based refueling pilots — as an example, putting in hydrogen pumps at giant dealerships in early-adopter areas — Rath was cautious. “Perhaps it’s too early to speak about,” he admitted, declining to provide specifics.
Globally, hydrogen availability stays uneven. “Japan and South Korea have already got excellent density,” Rath famous. “The West Coast of the U.S. can also be promising, although California is struggling just a little as a result of costs are too excessive — round $36 per kilogram.”
In Europe, costs fluctuate. Rath cited €18/kg in Antwerp, although he admitted that’s nonetheless costly. “We predict a value level at roughly €10 is possible,” he added. “At that degree, hydrogen is aggressive with gasoline.”
BMW believes economies of scale will assist. “Proper now, costs are very a lot pushed by distribution prices and operating prices on the pump. As soon as there’s turnover, the worth scales down. It’s not likely tied to the present buying value of hydrogen.”
As for density, Rath gave a quantity: “In Germany, we see roughly 500 stations at least viable community to have an excellent use case for purchasers with out too many roundabouts.”
The Buyer Profile
Who’s BMW constructing the iX5 Hydrogen for? Rath described the goal patrons as those that need the benefits of electrical driving however want extra flexibility. “We see the automobile acceptable for many who need to go electrical however want quicker refueling as a characteristic,” he stated. “Particularly for towing instances, in chilly climates, and perhaps additionally for fleets.”
He harassed that incentives received’t outline the market. “You can’t actually plan round incentives as a result of they’re turning so quick. In most areas, incentives for gas cell electrical autos are similar to battery-electric autos.”
Benefits Over BEVs
For these questioning why hydrogen is required in any respect, Rath pointed to its distinctive advantages. “The primary benefit is that the automobile drives absolutely like a battery electrical car — clean, silent, on the spot acceleration — and on the identical time, it refuels like a gasoline engine in 4 minutes,” he defined. “It combines the benefits of each worlds.”
Chilly-weather efficiency is one other edge. “In a gas cell system, you have got extra power within the conversion of hydrogen and oxygen. You need to use that to warmth the automobile. In a battery-electric automobile, you want a devoted heater that consumes power.”
On weight, Rath admitted the numbers are nonetheless beneath growth. “The primary iX5 Hydrogen was roughly in the identical vary of weight because the plug-in hybrid. We haven’t disclosed the manufacturing weight but for the brand new automobile.”
Past the X5
So is that this simply the beginning? Rath didn’t verify further hydrogen fashions, however he emphasised the system’s scalability. “We are actually launching the primary automobile, and we haven’t determined but on the additional rollout,” he stated. “However the system is designed to be rolled out in a number of programs.”
When requested what he would inform a skeptical EV buyer standing in a dealership, Rath’s reply was easy: “Not altering your habits. You possibly can stick along with your habits such as you’re used to from gasoline vehicles. All the things stays the identical, and on the identical time, you have got this on the spot, clean acceleration.”
BMW’s Hydrogen Imaginative and prescient
BMW calls this its technology-open strategy. Relatively than guess on a single drivetrain, the corporate believes prospects ought to determine — and that completely different markets require completely different options. The iX5 Hydrogen isn’t meant to exchange battery EVs, however to enrich them. In bigger autos, in areas with chilly climates, or in use instances like towing, hydrogen presents benefits a BEV can’t.
Rath summed up the philosophy: “As soon as you possibly can refuel rapidly, you don’t must assume across the total course of. That’s the message.”
The Highway to 2028
The following three years might be decisive. Hydrogen fueling networks should develop, prices should fall, and buyer consciousness should rise. Rath is optimistic.
“There’s a lot of motion occurring all internationally,” he stated. “We’re very assured there might be additional development, particularly from transport and business functions.”
