BMW was one of many first automakers to experiment with hydrogen, starting within the late Seventies. It began with a 5 Collection (E12), developed in collaboration with the German Aerospace Analysis Institute. The 520h retained a combustion engine tailored to run on each gasoline and hydrogen. Subsequent prototypes additionally burned gasoline. There was a 7 Collection (E23) in 1980, one other 7er (E32) in 1988, adopted by the better-known 750hL (E38) in 2000, powered by a mighty V12.
The V12-powered Hydrogen 7 (E65) is probably the most recognizable BMW hydrogen automotive, though the H2H File Automotive additionally garnered consideration with its twelve-cylinder engine. Nonetheless, it has been a very long time because the German luxurious automaker moved away from hydrogen-powered combustion engines, shifting focus as an alternative to gasoline cells. Why the change?
Juergen Guldner, Normal Program Supervisor of Hydrogen Expertise, defined BMW’s deal with gasoline cell hydrogen to Driving Hydrogen journal. He cited packaging constraints, noting {that a} combustion engine occupies vital house below the hood: “Given restricted house in passenger automobiles, this makes gasoline cells the good choice [compared to ICE].” Whereas he acknowledged {that a} combustion engine would possibly make extra sense in a truck, he emphasised that gasoline cells are the popular answer for automobiles.
Effectivity additionally performed a big position within the resolution. BMW deserted hydrogen combustion engines as a result of gasoline cells provide “about two-thirds extra vary in comparison with combustion.” Refueling instances are comparable, with Guldner stating the complete course of takes simply 3–4 minutes.
Curiously, Guldner didn’t completely dismiss the thought of a high-performance M hydrogen automotive with a combustion engine. Whereas engineers usually are not presently growing such a powertrain, it stays a chance: “We’ll see what the longer term holds.”
However why is BMW pursuing a hydrogen automotive in any respect? Scheduled for a 2028 launch, the upcoming mannequin is broadly anticipated to be the iX5, based mostly on the next-generation X5 (G65) that’s set to reach subsequent 12 months. Guldner argues that battery-powered EVs usually are not appropriate for everybody, primarily as a result of underdeveloped charging infrastructure.
A hydrogen car additionally makes use of fewer uncommon earth components in comparison with a standard electrical automotive, lowering environmental pressure. The mass adoption of battery EVs will drive up demand for lithium and cobalt, whereas gasoline cells are much less resource-intensive.
BMW is assured that its 2028 hydrogen car, developed in partnership with Toyota, shall be as protected as any mannequin in its lineup. Guldner additionally claims hydrogen refueling is “easier and cleaner than filling up with petrol,” providing one other clear benefit.
That stated, the corporate’s first hydrogen mannequin is unlikely to be accessible globally. As of 2024, there have been solely simply over 1,000 refueling stations worldwide. The iX5 will seemingly be offered in California, the place Toyota has supplied the Mirai for years, albeit with restricted success.
Regardless of the infrastructure challenges, BMW believes “the timing is correct.”
Supply: Driving Hydrogen
