BMW was one of many first automakers to experiment with hydrogen, starting within the late Nineteen 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 essentially the most recognizable BMW hydrogen automotive, though the H2H File Automotive additionally garnered consideration with its twelve-cylinder engine. Nevertheless, it has been a very long time for the reason that German luxurious automaker moved away from hydrogen-powered combustion engines, shifting focus as a substitute to gas cells. Why the change?
Juergen Guldner, Common Program Supervisor of Hydrogen Know-how, defined BMW’s deal with gas cell hydrogen to Driving Hydrogen journal. He cited packaging constraints, noting {that a} combustion engine occupies vital house beneath the hood: “Given restricted house in passenger automobiles, this makes gas cells the good selection [compared to ICE].” Whereas he acknowledged {that a} combustion engine would possibly make extra sense in a truck, he emphasised that gas cells are the popular answer for automobiles.
Effectivity additionally performed a big function within the determination. BMW deserted hydrogen combustion engines as a result of gas cells provide “about two-thirds extra vary in comparison with combustion.” Refueling occasions are comparable, with Guldner stating all the course of takes simply 3–4 minutes.
Curiously, Guldner didn’t totally dismiss the concept of a high-performance M hydrogen automotive with a combustion engine. Whereas engineers usually are not at the moment creating such a powertrain, it stays a risk: “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 extensively anticipated to be the iX5, primarily based on the next-generation X5 (G65) that’s set to reach subsequent yr. Guldner argues that battery-powered EVs usually are not appropriate for everybody, primarily as a result of underdeveloped charging infrastructure.
A hydrogen automobile 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 gas cells are much less resource-intensive.
BMW is assured that its 2028 hydrogen automobile, developed in partnership with Toyota, can be as protected as any mannequin in its lineup. Guldner additionally claims hydrogen refueling is “less complicated and cleaner than filling up with petrol,” providing one other clear benefit.
That mentioned, the corporate’s first hydrogen mannequin is unlikely to be obtainable globally. As of 2024, there have been solely simply over 1,000 refueling stations worldwide. The iX5 will doubtless be offered in California, the place Toyota has provided the Mirai for years, albeit with restricted success.
Regardless of the infrastructure challenges, BMW believes “the timing is true.”
Supply: Driving Hydrogen
