According to Nikkei Asia, BMW will begin mass producing and selling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles developed in collaboration with Toyota as early as 2025.
This isn’t the first time the two automakers have collaborated; the current Supra was also co-developed by BMW and Toyota. BMW’s board member for sales and branding, Pieter Nota, stated:
“We have various projects with Toyota and believe hydrogen fuel cell technology is particularly relevant for larger SUVs.”
Hydrogen combines with oxygen in the fuel cell (located under the hood) to produce electricity, which powers the car, with the only emission being water.
The fuel cell in the BMW iX5 generates up to 170 PS (125 kW) of energy, which is routed to a rear electric motor via an electric converter located beneath the fuel cell.
There is also a peak power battery that gets its power from the fuel cell and brake recuperation, sending more electricity when needed. The pair, when combined with the electric motor, produces a combined output of 373 hp (275 kW).
The fuel cell’s 700-bar tanks can hold up to 6 kg of hydrogen and can be filled in as little as 4 minutes. A full hydrogen tank, according to BMW, can provide up to 480 km of driving range.
Along with this announcement, BMW is said to be hastening its transition to electric vehicles. By 2030, the company expects electric vehicles to account for 50% of its sales, including MINI and Rolls-Royce.
BMW’s decision to focus on hydrogen is motivated by the challenges that EVs still face. Pieter Nota cited “infrastructure not being the same everywhere” and a lack of necessary materials as reasons.
To read our blog on “The production of the BMW i3 EV has come to an end,” click here
