In September, we will see for the first time a hydrogen fuel cell recreational vehicle based on the BMW X5: the BMW iX5 Hydrogen promises competitive parameters.
Two years after the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT study car, BMW will introduce its hydrogen fuel cell type this autumn. The iX5 Hydrogen will be in the spotlight as a non-static exhibit: some of its prototypes will transport visitors to the Munich Motor Show, demonstrating the capabilities of hydrogen fuel cell technology. For the time being, series production, BMW says, road tests of the type will only begin at the end of 2022.
This also means that so far very little information is available on the technicality of the model. It seems so certain that the hydrogen fuel cell, which generates electricity from the interaction of compressed hydrogen stored on board and atmospheric oxygen, will be capable of producing 170 hp. The resulting energy is intended to move the vehicle at a steady speed.
The car also gets a high-capacity battery that plays a role in dynamic accelerations or high-speed driving with its fast power delivery. By using the two energy sources together, 372 hp of peak power can be squeezed out of the electric motor. The car carries the hydrogen in two tanks, the tanks made of carbon fiber composite can hold almost 6 kilograms of hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bar. Charging takes no more than 3-4 minutes. These parameters are otherwise completely identical to the preliminary study of the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT.
Formally, it is not difficult to recognize a hydrogen-powered study: it is full of blue decorative elements, custom components made with a 3D printer, and FCEV logos. In addition, the iX5 Hydrogen was the first in the world to receive tires made from certified naturally sourced natural rubber, reducing the car’s carbon footprint.
(Source: vezess.hu / photo: pixabay.com)