(Munich, Germany) – BMW, in cooperation with Toyota Motor Corporation, plans to launch its first series-produced fuel cell vehicle, the "iX5 Hydrogen," in 2028. "We want to usher in an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles," says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. The Munich-based company views the technology "as a complement to the already established drive technologies" such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and internal combustion engines (ICEs).
Characteristics of BMW and Toyota remain intact
BMW and Toyota would jointly develop the drive system for passenger cars, with the underlying fuel cell technology offering synergy effects for both commercial vehicles and passenger cars. As a result, there would be individual BMW and Toyota models. The FCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicles) would retain their respective brand identities and characteristics, so that "customers could choose between various manufacturer-specific options". The series model would be integrated into the existing BMW vehicle portfolio.
Pilot fleet in road operation
Back in February, BMW announced that it would be road testing the "iX5 Hydrogen" after four years of development. The pilot fleet will be deployed worldwide over the course of the year to test practical knowledge about the vehicle and the everyday use of fuel cell technology.
The current drive train delivers a maximum output of 295 kilowatt hours (401 hp). The gaseous hydrogen required to supply the fuel cell is stored in two 700-bar tanks made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together they hold six kilograms, which allows the vehicle to travel 504 kilometers. Refueling takes three to four minutes.
The BMW Group produces the fuel cell systems in its own competence center for hydrogen in Munich. BMW receives the individual fuel cells, which are stacked to form a fuel cell stack, from Toyota. Both companies have been working together on fuel cell drives since 2013.
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The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is scheduled to go into series production from 2028. © BMW Group
