BMW iX5 Hydrogen is an FCEV vehicle that combines the benefits of electric driving with the convenience of hydrogen fuel cell technology. It is based on the regular BMW X5 but with a modified floor to accommodate the hydrogen tanks and a fuel cell stack that converts hydrogen into electricity for the drive unit. The result is a powerful, agile, and emission-free Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) that can be refueled in just 3-4 minutes and has a range of up to 313 miles.
What is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle?
A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) is a type of electric vehicle (EV) that uses hydrogen as its energy source. Unlike a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that stores electricity in a battery, an FCEV stores hydrogen in tanks and uses a fuel cell to generate electricity for the electric motor. The only by-product of this process is water vapor, which means that a FCEV is locally emission-free.
What are the Advantages of FCEV Vehicles?
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have advantages over battery electric vehicles, such as:
- Faster refueling: A FCEV can be refueled in 3-4 minutes, similar to a conventional gasoline or diesel vehicle, while a BEV can take hours to recharge, depending on the battery size and charging speed.
- Longer range: An FCEV can travel up to 313 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, while a BEV typically has a lower range, depending on the battery capacity and driving conditions.
- Lighter weight: A FCEV has a lower weight than a BEV, as hydrogen tanks are lighter than batteries. This can improve the performance and handling of the car, as well as reduce the energy consumption.
- More sustainable: An FCEV can use hydrogen produced from renewable sources, such as wind or solar, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. A BEV can also use renewable electricity, but the production and dumping of batteries can have environmental impacts.
How Does the BMW iX5 Hydrogen Work?
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is a concept vehicle that shows the potential of hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) technology for the BMW brand. It is based on the BMW X5 but with a modified floor to accommodate the hydrogen tanks and a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack consists of individual fuel cells that are supplied with hydrogen from the tanks and oxygen from the air. The fuel cells produce electricity that powers the electric motor, which delivers up to 401 hp and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. The electric motor also recovers energy during braking and feeds it back to the battery, which can provide additional power when needed. The battery is located under the rear seat and has a capacity of 1.1 kWh.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen has two hydrogen tanks that can store a total of 6 kg of hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bar. The tanks are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and have a multi-layered structure to ensure safety and durability. The tanks can be refilled with gaseous hydrogen in 3-4 minutes at designated hydrogen filling stations, which are cleaner and more convenient than traditional gasoline stations.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen also features a fifth-generation BMW eDrive system, which integrates the electric motor, transmission, and power electronics into a single unit. This reduces the weight and space requirements of the drive system and improves the efficiency and performance of the vehicle. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen also has an intelligent all-wheel drive system that distributes the power between the front and rear wheels according to the driving situation and road conditions.