BMW is gearing up to join the hydrogen revolution in 2028. Yes, you heard that right! The Bavarian giant is partnering with Toyota to bring its first hydrogen-powered car to market. This isn’t just a one-off experiment—BMW and Toyota have been quietly working on hydrogen technology for a while, and now they’re ready to put their money where their mouth is.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen: The X5’s Eco-Friendly Cousin
BMW is playing its cards close to the chest, but here’s what we know: their hydrogen marvel will be a version of an existing model. The current iX5 might be a head-turner, but by 2028, it’ll probably be sipping espresso in some Munich café. So, what’s on the horizon? A hydrogen-powered SUV based on the next-gen X5, of course! But don’t worry—BMW assures us it’ll be a proper BMW, not just a Toyota in a fancy German suit.
Why Hydrogen? Fast, Clean, and Convenient
BMW’s new hydrogen SUV will share its bones with the gas, diesel, and plug-in hybrid X5s, and there’s a good chance a battery-electric version will join the party too. The current BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype boasts 396 horsepower, thanks to a pair of high-pressure hydrogen tanks that hold six kilograms of fuel. This setup gives it a range of 313 miles (thanks, WLTP!), and the cherry on top? It takes just three to four minutes to refuel. That’s about the time it takes to scroll through your social feed.
BMW’s Big Hurdle: Hydrogen Refueling Stations
Here’s the catch: hydrogen refueling stations are about as rare as a sunny day in London. BMW knows this, and while they’re hopeful that more stations will pop up by 2028, they’re also planning to launch the iX5 Hydrogen in areas where you won’t need a treasure map to find a refueling station.
BMW’s Hydrogen Journey: From Experiment to Reality
Believe it or not, BMW’s been messing around with hydrogen since 1979. They started with the 520h, which had a regular old combustion engine modified to run on hydrogen—yes, they actually tried that. Over the years, they played around with hydrogen-powered V12s, but eventually, they realized fuel cells were the way to go. BMW’s hydrogen story is long and a bit quirky, but now they’re finally ready to make it a reality.
The German automaker is taking a bold step with hydrogen, and while it’s not without risks, it could be a game-changer. With the iX5 Hydrogen set to debut in 2028, we’re keeping our eyes peeled to see if this is the start of something big—or just a brief puff of hydrogen in the wind. Stay tuned!
FAQs About BMW’s iX5 Hydrogen SUV
1. How is the BMW iX5 Hydrogen different from regular EVs?
Unlike typical EVs that use batteries, the iX5 Hydrogen generates power with hydrogen fuel cells. This allows for fast refueling in just three to four minutes, offering the convenience of gas cars with zero emissions.
2. Will the iX5 Hydrogen be sold everywhere?
Initially, it will be available in regions with hydrogen refueling stations. As the infrastructure expands, more areas might get access to the iX5 Hydrogen.
3. When can I buy the BMW iX5 Hydrogen?
The iX5 Hydrogen is expected to launch in 2028, with more details on pricing and availability coming closer to the release date.