BMW was one of the first car manufacturers to experiment with hydrogen from the late 1970s. It all started with a 5 Series (E12) that was developed in cooperation with the German Air and Space Research Institute. The 520h kept a combustion engine that was adapted to both petrol and hydrogen. Subsequent prototypes also burned gasoline. In 1980 there was a 7 Series (E23), another 7 Series (E32) in 1988, followed by the more well -known 750HL (E38) in 2000, which was driven by a powerful V12.
The V12-driven hydrogen 7 (E65) is the most recognizable BMW hydrogen car, although the H2H record car also attracted attention with its twelve-cylinder engine. However, it has been a long time ago that the German luxury car manufacturer of fuel engines has driven itself with hydrogen and instead concentrates on fuel cells. Why the change?
Juergen Guldner, General Program Manager of Hydrogen Technology, explained the BMW’s focus on fuel cells -hydrogen Drive hydrogen Magazine. He quoted packaging restrictions and found that a combustion engine occupies a significant place under the bonnet [compared to ICE]. ““ While he recognized that a combustion engine could be more sensible in a truck, he emphasized that fuel cells are the preferred solution for cars.
Efficiency also played an important role in the decision. BMW abandoned hydrogen burning engines because fuel cells offer “about two thirds more range compared to combustion”. The recovery times are comparable, with Guldner finding that the entire process only lasts 3 to 4 minutes.
Interestingly, Guldner did not completely reject the idea of a high-performance hydrogen car with a combustion engine. While the engineers are currently not developing such a drive train, this remains a possibility: “We will see what the future has.”
But why does BMW pursue a hydrogen car at all? The upcoming model is planned for a start of 2028 and is expected to be based on the IX5, based on the next generation X5 (G65), which will arrive next year. Guldner argues that battery -operated electric vehicles are not suitable for everyone, mainly due to the underdeveloped load infrastructure.
A hydrogen vehicle also uses less rare elements compared to a conventional electric car, which reduces the environmental pollution. The introduction of battery EVs in masses will increase the demand for lithium and cobalt, while fuel cells are less resource-intensive.
BMW is confident that its 2028 hydrogen vehicle developed in cooperation with Toyota is as safe as any model in its line -up. Guldner also claims that hydrogen tank is “easier and cleaner than filling with gasoline and offering another clear advantage.
However, it is unlikely that the company’s first hydrogen model is available worldwide. From 2024 there were only a little more than 1,000 fuel stations worldwide. The IX5 is probably sold in California, where Toyota has offered Mirai for years, albeit with a limited success.
Despite the infrastructure challenges, BMW believes that “timing is correct”.
Source: drive hydrogen
