- BMW is validating its integrated hydrogen drivetrain under demanding real-world conditions.
- Munich has started next fuel-cell prototype-assembly as Steyr prepares for series production.
- Targets include 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds, up to 750km WLTP and sub-5-minute refuelling.
BMW's hydrogen-powered X5 has entered comprehensive road testing while the company prepares fuel-cell production in Germany and Austria.
BMW is validating how the fuel-cell system, electric motor, high-voltage battery, Hydrogen Flat Storage tanks and Energy Master control unit operate together under demanding environmental and driving conditions.
Prototypes put the full system to work
Engineers are focusing on maintaining drivetrain performance under high loads while refining efficiency and the driving behaviour expected of a BMW. The company is targeting 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds for the production model.
BMW continues to quote a target range of up to 750km on the WLTP cycle and a hydrogen refuelling time of less than 5 minutes. However, it says the vehicle remains a prototype and binding consumption figures are not yet available.
The third-generation fuel-cell system was co-developed with Toyota. BMW says the iX5 Hydrogen will become its first series-production hydrogen vehicle, adding another electric drivetrain option alongside its battery-electric models.
Munich knowledge heads to Steyr
At BMW's Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich, the fuel-cell system is entering its next prototype-assembly phase. The work now centres on finalising test methods, validating manufacturing processes and passing what the development team learns to the future production operation.
That operation will be based at BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria. The first test benches and manufacturing equipment have been installed there, while employee training is under way ahead of a future production ramp-up.
Germany's federal government is providing EUR191 million to the HyPowerDrive powertrain and tank project, with Bavaria contributing another EUR82 million.
BMW plans to offer the next X5 with battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol, diesel and hydrogen powertrains. New Zealand launch timing, pricing, allocation and hydrogen-infrastructure plans have not been disclosed.
