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 probably 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 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, Basic 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 underneath the hood: “Given restricted house in passenger autos, this makes gasoline cells the good selection [compared to ICE].” Whereas he acknowledged {that a} combustion engine may 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 choice. BMW deserted hydrogen combustion engines as a result of gasoline cells supply “about two-thirds extra vary in comparison with combustion.” Refueling instances are comparable, with Guldner stating your complete 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 should not at the moment growing such a powertrain, it stays a chance: “We’ll see what the long run 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, based mostly on the next-generation X5 (G65) that’s set to reach subsequent yr. Guldner argues that battery-powered EVs should not appropriate for everybody, primarily because of the underdeveloped charging infrastructure.
A hydrogen automobile additionally makes use of fewer uncommon earth components in comparison with a traditional 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 automobile, developed in partnership with Toyota, will probably 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 mentioned, 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 probably 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 true.”
Supply: Driving Hydrogen
