BMW iX5 Hydrogen enters final testing phase

BMW says its iX5 Hydrogen prototype has entered a new development phase on the road to series production. Current prototypes are undergoing a comprehensive testing programme.

At the same time, the third-generation fuel cell system is entering a new assembly phase at the company's Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich. Preparations for the industrialisation and future series production of the hydrogen fuel cell system are also underway at the engine facility in Steyr, Austria.

Focus on systems integration and dynamics

The primary focus of current testing is the further validation of the overall vehicle system. Development teams are working on preparations for industrialisation and the integration of fuel cell technology into a vehicle concept with what BMW calls 'typical BMW driving dynamics'.

Current testing confirms the coordinated interaction between the fuel cell system, electric motor, high-voltage battery, BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage and Energy Master control unit. Josef Hochreiter, head of Hydrogen Vehicles at the BMW Group, stated the company's ambition. "Our ambition for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is clear: a true BMW, with Sheer Driving Pleasure," he said.

Fuel cell system assembly advances

Alongside vehicle testing, the next prototype assembly phase for the third-generation fuel cell system is getting underway in Munich. The focus is on finalising and validating the testing methodology, as well as further preparations for industrialisation.

The previous prototype phase centred on component buildability and basic qualification of suppliers. Claudia Stephan, head of Technology Development and Fuel Cell Prototype Assembly at the BMW Group, explained the process. "Prototype assembly is about much more than manufacturing individual components," she said.

Series production of fuel cell systems will take place at BMW Group Plant Steyr in the future. The first test benches and manufacturing equipment have already been set up there, with employees being trained in stages.

Industrialisation cooperation

With the start of this new assembly phase, the project has reached another important development step on the road to industrialisation. Insights gained from prototype assembly in Munich form the basis for further industrialisation steps and the subsequent production ramp-up in Steyr.

BMW maintains that hydrogen can supplement battery-electric vehicles where high range, short refuelling times and high versatility are required. The iX5 Hydrogen has a targeted range of up to 750 kilometres and refuelling in less than five minutes.

Funding and market position

The development is part of the "HyPowerDrive" project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport. The federal government is providing funding of €191 million, with the state of Bavaria contributing an additional €82 million.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen will be the first hydrogen-powered BMW Group production model released onto the market. The new BMW X5 will offer customers the choice between a battery-electric drive train, plug-in hybrid, petrol, diesel or hydrogen fuel cell technology.