BMW Group begins hydrogen fuel cell system production for BMW iX5 Hydrogen

The BMW Group announced that it has begun the production of fuel cell systems for the iX5 Hydrogen model.

BMW AG Chairman of the Board of Management Oliver Zipse and BMW AG Member of the Board of Management responsible for Development Frank Weber inaugurated the fuel cell system production at the company’s competence center for hydrogen in Munich, Germany.

The hydrogen fuel cell systems will be used for the small series BMW iX5 Hydrogen cars that are set to be released for test and demonstration purposes later this year.

According to the automotive conglomerate, the combination of fuel cells and high-performance batteries is set to enrich the company’s portfolio by adding a unique form of drive system for the premium segment.

“As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. And it will also gain substantially in importance as far as personal mobility is concerned. We think hydrogen-powered vehicles are ideally placed technologically to fit alongside battery-electric vehicles and complete the electric mobility picture. By commencing small-scale production of fuel cells today, we are demonstrating the technical maturity of this type of drive system and underscoring its potential for the future,” said Zipse.

The automotive consortium’s fuel cell system will be one of the core elements in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. With it, the hydrogen-powered vehicle can generate a high continuous output of 170 horsepower (hp). When paired with an electric motor featuring fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and a high-performance battery, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen delivers a maximum power output of 374 horses.

BMW Group also shared that the hydrogen fuel cell system manufacturing process in Munich involved a two-step process. First, the firm uses individual fuel cells sourced from Toyota and assembles them into a fuel stack. The next step involves fitting all the other components to produce a complete fuel cell system. During the said stage, further components such as the compressor,  anode and cathode, high-voltage coolant pump, as well as the wiring harness are fitted into the stack to make the BMW Group’s hydrogen fuel cell system.

“Our many years of research and development work have enabled us to get the very most out of hydrogen technology. We have managed to more than double the fuel cell’s continuous output in the second-generation fuel cell in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, while weight and size have both decreased drastically,” said Weber.

Photos from BMW Group

Also read: 

BMW Group takes major stake in BBA China joint venture

BMW Group furthers green push through use of low-carbon steel in European plants

BMW Group shares details of new development site in Sokolov