Bojan Vrbnjak
BMW started with small series production of the model iX5 Hydrogen. The Bavarian car manufacturer will produce its new model at the research and innovation center in Munich. The vehicles are expected to be used next spring as technology demonstrators in selected markets.
He works in the company's research center for approx 900 employees on up to six projects simultaneously. Here BMW produces a new model every time, with which they want to ensure that the product and the production process are ready for series production. "As a versatile energy carrier, hydrogen plays a key role on the path to climate neutrality," he said Frank Weber, member of the board of directors at BMW, who is in charge of development. The company will be its test fleet iX5 models used hydrogen to learn more about the technology as they see a need for a mix of battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles. Weaver he also emphasized that FCEV require less critical raw materials than they are cobalt, lithium ali nickel, which are essential for battery production.
BMW iX5 began his life in an American factory Spartanburg namely as a regular X5. In Germany, the SUV will get new bottom, designed for installation two hydrogen tanks, located in the central tunnel and under the rear seats. At the assembly, BMW installs 12- and 400-volt electrical system, high performance battery, fuel cells and electric motor. After finishing assembly and painting, it will BMW SUV subjected to extensive functional testing in its own test center v Ascheim. However, the iX5 has already completed an intensive test program in preparation for production.
BMW he is not alone in his pursuit and desire for hydrogen. Also Honda has already announced that it will be years 2024 launched an electric vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells. It is supposed to be a popular model CR-V, which received a major facelift for the 2023 model year. Like BMW, Honda is putting a special emphasis on small batch production of the model and manufactures it in its Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, where they also manufacture racing cars Acura, models Acura NSX in Acura PMC Edition.
If we know anything about of the future, is that nothing is set in stone. Car manufacturers are facing new uncertainties, when it comes to electric vehicles, the lack of robust charging infrastructure but it doesn't help. Hydrogen has similar limitations, but that didn't stop it BMW, Hyundai and others in further exploring the feasibility of this technology.
