Key player!
When it comes to its importance in the future of the car industry when curbing emissions, hydrogen is without a doubt a key player. As a result, BMW and its Munich plant are supporting hydrogen car production, accommodating fully the production of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen model.
What we know so far!
The manufacturing of this small-series hydrogen-powered vehicle is taking place in the pilot plant at its Munich Research and Innovation Center. It represents the first ever Sports Activity Vehicle featuring hydrogen fuel cell technology. Moreover, it has already completed an intensive program of testing under what are considered demanding conditions during the development phase and will now be used as a technology demonstrator for locally carbon-free mobility in selected regions from last spring.
“Hydrogen remains an important alternative,” BMW board member Milan Nedeljkovic was quoted as saying. “That’s why we have a fleet of hydrogen cars out testing and why we’re working intensively on improving the technology further.”
In an effort to explore any and all alternatives and so as to remain flexible to hydrogen and other technologies, BMW is poised to offer the most support. The Munich Plant will begin the assembly of a Neue Class model in 2026 with a 3-Series-sized electric sedan by the end of 2027. All vehicles manufactured there will be EVs, with the Munich Plant being the first factory, which currently produces about 1,000 cars a day, to switch entirely to electric cars.
Those in the know have shared their expertise that hydrogen technology is in fact more suitable for large and heavy vehicles, with perhaps a production model taking the shape of an SUV. An iX5 Hydrogen might just be a sign of the future. We just must wait and see!
The iX5 represents the interface between development and production where every new model from one of the company’s brands is made for the first time. The plant is comprised of about 900 people who span the body shop, assembly, model engineering, concept vehicle construction and additive manufacturing areas. Each works on up to six vehicle projects at the same time, charged with ensuring that both the product and the manufacturing process are ready for series production.
“Production of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and the BMW-developed fuel cell systems demonstrates our supreme flexibility and unrivaled know-how in the field of small-scale manufacture,” Milian Nedeljkovic, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production, explained. “It shows we already boast the necessary expertise for integrating hydrogen technology into the BMW iFACTORY production system as an additional type of drive.”
The base vehicles for the hydrogen model are supplied by the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA and are developed on the platform of the BMW X5. They are also fitted with a new floor assembly in the pilot plant’s body shop that makes it possible to accommodate the two hydrogen tanks which are located in the centre tunnel and under the rear seat unit.
In assembling the vehicle, model-specific 12V and 400V electrical systems, a high-performance battery, electric motor and fuel cell are all integrated alongside standard production parts. Also as part of its makeup, the fuel cell systems that are located under the bonnet of the iX5 Hydrogen have been manufactured at BMW’s in-house competence center for hydrogen in Garching to the north of Munich.
Exclusive to the hydrogen-powered SAV are numerous components, with the model passing through all the customary stages of production, beginning with the body shop then proceeding to the point shop and assembly before heading to final inspection.
With all of the benefits of a locally emission-free drive system and with outstanding everyday usability and long-distance capabilities, the iX5 Hydrogen is a prime example of the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology and its clear and complementary relation to the battery electric drive system. The future of the car industry is here and now — see what this key player is all about
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