BMW defends the hydrogen-powered iX5 despite it having less range than the battery-powered iX5
In 2028, BMW will expand the X5 lineup with a new hydrogen version called the iX5 Hydrogen. Project director Josef Hochreiter stated in a recent interview that fuel cell technology does not replace batteries but rather complements them. BMW’s third-generation fuel cell system has been designed to be about 25% more compact, allowing it to be integrated into the X5’s multi-energy platform.
BMW believes hydrogen can help reduce reliance on certain infrastructure, raw materials, and supply chains. Hochreiter did not specify the price of the iX5 Hydrogen, but increased production volumes are expected to help reduce manufacturing costs.
"Our ambition for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is clear: a true BMW with unparalleled driving pleasure," said the executive a few months ago. "To achieve this, it’s essential to have a perfectly coordinated global system. Current tests demonstrate the successful integration of the fuel cell system, high-voltage battery, and electric drive train, as well as the systematic approach we’re taking to develop the technology for mass production."
The BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage modular system allows compressed hydrogen tanks to be placed in the same space as batteries in its sixth-generation electric vehicles (that is, under the floor). The storage system consists of seven high-pressure tanks with a total capacity of 7 kg.
The battery-powered BMW iX5 will have nearly 100 km more range than the iX5 Hydrogen.
"Our new storage concept allows us to integrate the hydrogen propulsion system into the new X5 precisely while optimizing space," said Joachim Post, a member of BMW’s Board of Management. "It’s like a game of Tetris: each customer gets the propulsion system that best fits their needs, along with a true BMW X5 without compromises. This is technological openness and the art of engineering, just as we developers like it!"
BMW estimates that the iX5 Hydrogen will have a range of 750 km WLTP. For comparison, the iX5 60 xDrive achieves 845 km WLTP thanks to its massive battery with a useful capacity of 141 kWh (144 kWh gross capacity). Therefore, the battery-electric version will have a longer range than the hydrogen version, whose main advantage will be shorter refueling times.
The iX5 60 xDrive features a propulsion system consisting of two electric motors, which deliver a combined power output of 578 HP (425 kW) and a torque of 805 Nm. This enables it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. Its 800-volt architecture allows for charging at up to 460 kW in direct current, reaching 80% charge in just 23 minutes.
Source | ecomento