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BMW Shows iX5 Hydrogen Fuel Cell SUV Amid Sea Of BEVs In Munich
Sep 06, 2021
By: Christopher Smith
BMW will build a few examples, but you can't buy one.
Not all electric vehicles at the 2021 Munich Motor Show feature batteries. We're used to hearing about Hyundai's hydrogen ambitions, but BMW isn't giving up on the fuel-cell technology just yet. Case-in-point is the iX5 Hydrogen, which BMW debuts for the public at IAA Mobility 2021. In fact, BMW is using hydrogen-fueled iX5s as shuttle vehicles for the show.
The iX5 actually shares its exterior look with the bonkers X5 M, but you won't find a 617-horsepower (460-kilowatt) twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 under the hood. Instead, you get a snazzy cover concealing electrical equipment beneath. The hydrogen-fueled SUV generates a far more modest 168 hp (125 kW), though for situations requiring more punch, BMW says the iX5 Hydrogen can bump power up to 369 hp (275 kW) as needed. Efficiency, not performance, is the name of the game here.
Gallery: BMW iX5 Hydrogen Photos, IAA 2021
BMW believes there is a future for hydrogen in motoring, especially in areas where high-speed electric charging isn't accessible. To that end, BMW sees a future where battery-electric vehicles (BEV) exist alongside fuel cell vehicles, not unlike the present-day combination of gasoline and diesel. Of course, that's dependent on a hydrogen infrastructure being built, as it's virtually non-existent at this point. However, with fueling stations available, the iX5 could fill its two carbon-fiber tanks with approximately 13 pounds of hydrogen in about four minutes.
More From BMW In Munich:
BMW Shows iX5 Hydrogen Fuel Cell SUV Amid Sea Of BEVs In Munich
Sep 06, 2021
By: Christopher Smith
BMW will build a few examples, but you can't buy one.
Not all electric vehicles at the 2021 Munich Motor Show feature batteries. We're used to hearing about Hyundai's hydrogen ambitions, but BMW isn't giving up on the fuel-cell technology just yet. Case-in-point is the iX5 Hydrogen, which BMW debuts for the public at IAA Mobility 2021. In fact, BMW is using hydrogen-fueled iX5s as shuttle vehicles for the show.
The iX5 actually shares its exterior look with the bonkers X5 M, but you won't find a 617-horsepower (460-kilowatt) twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 under the hood. Instead, you get a snazzy cover concealing electrical equipment beneath. The hydrogen-fueled SUV generates a far more modest 168 hp (125 kW), though for situations requiring more punch, BMW says the iX5 Hydrogen can bump power up to 369 hp (275 kW) as needed. Efficiency, not performance, is the name of the game here.
Gallery: BMW iX5 Hydrogen Photos, IAA 2021
BMW believes there is a future for hydrogen in motoring, especially in areas where high-speed electric charging isn't accessible. To that end, BMW sees a future where battery-electric vehicles (BEV) exist alongside fuel cell vehicles, not unlike the present-day combination of gasoline and diesel. Of course, that's dependent on a hydrogen infrastructure being built, as it's virtually non-existent at this point. However, with fueling stations available, the iX5 could fill its two carbon-fiber tanks with approximately 13 pounds of hydrogen in about four minutes.
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"Hydrogen fuel cell technology can be an attractive option for sustainable drivetrains – especially in larger vehicle classes," said Frank Weber, a member of BMW's board of management for development. "That is why road testing of near-standard vehicles with a hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain is an important milestone in our research and development efforts."
While BMW envisions fuel cell vehicles in the future, for now, the iX5 will remain a near-production test vehicle. Several will be built for evaluation, but without a hydrogen fueling infrastructure, the future of fuel cell vehicles is most decidedly an uncertain one.
"Hydrogen fuel cell technology can be an attractive option for sustainable drivetrains – especially in larger vehicle classes," said Frank Weber, a member of BMW's board of management for development. "That is why road testing of near-standard vehicles with a hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain is an important milestone in our research and development efforts."
While BMW envisions fuel cell vehicles in the future, for now, the iX5 will remain a near-production test vehicle. Several will be built for evaluation, but without a hydrogen fueling infrastructure, the future of fuel cell vehicles is most decidedly an uncertain one.
BY JAY TRAUGOTT INDUSTRY NEWS
More automakers are expected to follow suit.
The transition to all-electric vehicles and other mobility solutions is changing the world for the better. Some will certainly argue against this, and that's just fine. Criticism is necessary to help keep the world's government and industry decision-makers on the right track. Everyone is accountable for their actions. The main reason for this transition is to curb greenhouse gas emissions, and Hyundai has just announced at this year's Munich Motor Show how it'll continue to do its part.
By the year 2045, the South Korean automaker has pledged to become carbon neutral. This won't be for just the Hyundai brand, but rather the entire Hyundai Motor Company consisting of that namesake brand plus Kia and Genesis.
More automakers are expected to follow suit.
The transition to all-electric vehicles and other mobility solutions is changing the world for the better. Some will certainly argue against this, and that's just fine. Criticism is necessary to help keep the world's government and industry decision-makers on the right track. Everyone is accountable for their actions. The main reason for this transition is to curb greenhouse gas emissions, and Hyundai has just announced at this year's Munich Motor Show how it'll continue to do its part.
By the year 2045, the South Korean automaker has pledged to become carbon neutral. This won't be for just the Hyundai brand, but rather the entire Hyundai Motor Company consisting of that namesake brand plus Kia and Genesis.
"Climate change is an undeniable challenge that needs everyone's utmost and urgent attention, said company President Jaehoon (Jay) Chang.
Achieving carbon neutrality requires the automaker to reduce its carbon emissions 75 percent below the 2019 level by 2040. This will be achieved by expanding the emissions-free lineup, developing all-new platforms (such as the recently shown Robotaxi), and investing in various green energy solutions and other related technologies.
Achieving carbon neutrality requires the automaker to reduce its carbon emissions 75 percent below the 2019 level by 2040. This will be achieved by expanding the emissions-free lineup, developing all-new platforms (such as the recently shown Robotaxi), and investing in various green energy solutions and other related technologies.
Those attending this year's German event can head over to the Hyundai exhibit where they can check out the new Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kona EV, Nexo, and the Elec City Fuel Cell bus, which is undergoing testing right now in Europe.
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