The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is progressing towards series production with prototypes currently undergoing extensive road testing. The third-generation fuel cell system is now being assembled at BMW’s Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich, alongside preparations for industrialization at their plant in Steyr, Austria.
Josef Hochreiter, head of hydrogen vehicles at BMW Group, emphasized the importance of a well-integrated system for achieving the “Sheer Driving Pleasure” characteristic of BMW vehicles. Current testing focuses on ensuring the seamless interaction of the fuel cell, high-voltage battery, and electric drivetrain, optimizing for efficiency and performance.
Validation efforts are geared towards confirming functionality under varying conditions, ensuring that all system components perform optimally while maintaining BMW’s renowned driving dynamics. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen targets acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds.
Additionally, the latest fuel cell technology, co-developed with Toyota, converts hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical reaction, powering the vehicle. This new assembly phase aims to fine-tune manufacturing processes and prepare for future industrialization at BMW’s Steyr facility.
