BMW revealed that it has started production of a small number of units of the new iX5 hydrogen, which will start running on the roads next spring.

The new model being produced at the pilot plant of the BMW Research and Innovation Center in Munich, Germany combines fuel cell technology with an electric motor, backed by the fifth-generation BMW eDrive.

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Thus, this iX5 Hydrogen has a hydrogen fuel cell system that generates 125 kW (170 hp) emitting only water vapor, and the waste heat used to heat the passenger compartment.

The battery is charged by energy recovery or by the fuel cell for a maximum power of 275 kW (374 hp) at its maximum performance.

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It should be remembered that the BMW hydrogen SUV is based on the X5 platform, where the German brand fits the fuel cell, the electric motor, as well as two 700 bar hydrogen tanks containing 6 kg of hydrogen together, which are recharged for three or four minutes.

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“Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that has a fundamental role to play as we move towards carbon neutrality,” underlined Frank Weber, member of the Board of Directors of BMW AG responsible for Development. “We are certain that hydrogen is about to play an important role for individual mobility and therefore consider a mix of battery and fuel cell electric drive systems as a sensible long-term approach. Fuel cells also do not require any critical raw material, such as cobalt, lithium or nickel, so by investing in this type of drive system, we are also strengthening the BMW Group's geopolitical resilience”, concluded Frank Weber.