BMW recently started production of the hydrogen-powered BMW iX5 SUV in Munich, Germany. The initial version of the SUV will be used for testing and demonstration purposes from next spring, and will not be available for sale.
Based on the X5 SUV, BMW is adding a new “floor” to the SUV to house the vehicle’s hydrogen tanks, which will be located under the SUV’s center tunnel and rear seats.
These hydrogen tanks have a total capacity of about 16 pounds and provide a fuel cell stack located under the hood, which is paired with the electric motor and battery at the rear of the vehicle.
BMW says the combined power output produced by this powertrain can be as high as 374 hp. BMW also claims that the iX5 can accelerate from 0-62 mph in less than seven seconds and can reach a top speed of 118 mph. The estimated mileage of the vehicle alone is 310 miles.
BMW, like many other automakers, is committed to fighting global climate change. BMW plans to become carbon neutral by 2050. The German manufacturer believes that hydrogen-powered vehicles and electric vehicles are necessary to achieve this goal.
Although the vehicle first appeared a few years ago as the i Hydrogen Next concept, and the BMW iX5 hydrogen SUV has already completed an intensive testing program prior to its production, the tests due to take place next spring will be used by BMW to learn more about the technology.
