BMW's Journey with Hydrogen: From Combustion Engines to Fuel Cells
Key Ideas
- BMW has a rich history with hydrogen cars, starting in the late 1970s with the 5 Series and progressing to the V12-powered Hydrogen 7.
- The company has shifted its focus from hydrogen combustion engines to fuel cells due to packaging constraints and efficiency reasons.
- BMW is set to launch a hydrogen vehicle, likely the iX5, in 2028 in partnership with Toyota, emphasizing the benefits of hydrogen refueling and reduced environmental strain.
- Despite global infrastructure challenges, BMW remains optimistic about the future of hydrogen vehicles and their potential to reduce reliance on rare earth elements.
BMW has been at the forefront of hydrogen experimentation in the automotive industry since the late 1970s, starting with models like the 5 Series and progressing to the well-known V12-powered Hydrogen 7. Juergen Guldner, the General Program Manager of Hydrogen Technology at BMW, explains the company's transition from hydrogen combustion engines to fuel cells. He highlights packaging constraints and the efficiency of fuel cells, citing their superior range compared to combustion engines. BMW's upcoming hydrogen vehicle, anticipated to be the iX5, is scheduled for a 2028 release and is a collaborative effort with Toyota. The company believes that hydrogen vehicles are a viable alternative to battery-powered EVs, especially in regions with underdeveloped charging infrastructure. Additionally, BMW emphasizes the environmental benefits of hydrogen vehicles, noting their reduced use of rare earth elements compared to electric cars. Despite challenges in global infrastructure, BMW is optimistic about the future of hydrogen vehicles, with plans to introduce their hydrogen model, likely limited to specific regions initially, in 2028.