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BMW has been working on hydrogen technology for years, with the first pilot of iX5 hydrogen vehicles taking place in 2023.
The brand sources fuel cells from Toyota, with whom it has collaborated on green technology since 2013.
The BMW iX5, an all-electric SUV, is scheduled for an international debut in 2026.
Alongside this, the popular X5 will be updated with new petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engine options. But by 2028, a hydrogen-powered iX5, co-developed with Toyota, will join the line-up, as per Autocar.
However, it’s still too early to confirm when this hydrogen version will launch in India, as the necessary hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is still in the early stages.
Currently, BMW India only offers petrol and diesel engine options for the X5, but the hydrogen-powered iX5 marks a significant step in the brand’s green technology journey.
The first prototype of the BMW iX5 hydrogen car, developed over four years, took place in 2023. BMW has been working with Toyota on green technology since 2013, receiving fuel cells that are hand-assembled in Munich, Germany, at a special hydrogen production centre.
The iX5 concept offers an impressive 401 bhp, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in under 6 seconds. The fuel cell powers the car’s 172 bhp, while the rest comes from a small, high-performance lithium-ion battery located in the boot. The iX5’s hydrogen tanks, with a total capacity of 6kg, provide a range of up to 504km on a full tank (according to the WLTP cycle).
Hydrogen vs Electric: What’s the Difference?
Although both hydrogen and electric vehicles (EVs) run on electric motors, the main difference lies in the energy storage. In a hydrogen vehicle, hydrogen stored in tanks is converted into electricity to power the car through a fuel cell. This allows for much quicker refuelling – just 3-4 minutes at a hydrogen station – compared to the longer charging time of EVs. Plus, hydrogen stations are cleaner and odour-free.
