BMW is increasing its bets on the future of next-generation fuels for passenger cars and will deliver its first mass-produced hydrogen powered cars in 2028.
German Motor Group has been testing iX5 Hydrogen prototypes for two year. It is now stating that it will put its reputation at risk by claiming there will be a consumer demand for cars powered with hydrogen fuel cells in the next decade, rather than electric batteries.
Oliver Zipse said, “This is an important milestone in the history of automotive technology.” It will usher in a new era of fuel cell vehicle demand.
BMW and Toyota have partnered to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology
The German automaker said that it will be heavily dependent upon its existing hydrogen fuel cell technology partner with Toyota, a Japanese manufacturer who has also been a longtime supporter of hydrogen. Toyota has operated a few Mirai hydrogen vehicles for almost a decade, but has not publicly committed to high-volume production.
Volkswagen is one of the carmakers who have shunned hydrogen fuel cell technology for passenger cars. Many industry experts believe that hydrogen fuel cells are best suited for heavy commercial vehicles such as lorries, buses and trucks, which have large electric batteries.
BMW refused to comment on the expected production volume of a hydrogen vehicle, except that it would be’serious’. BMW refused to discuss the pricing, saying that it would be “customer driven”.
The company also refused to say what form the hydrogen vehicle would take but confirmed it wouldn’t be the BMW iX5 Hybrid that was being tested in 20 countries including Britain.
The prototype iX5 has a lower range than a petrol vehicle and fuel is more costly
BMW hydrogen cars will likely face the same obstacles as battery electric cars in terms of cost, range and charging networks. Due to the high cost of new technology, it is likely that hydrogen cars will be more expensive than petrol-powered equivalents unless BMW decides to make them at a profit.
The iX5 prototype’s range is only 310 miles. This is less than a petrol vehicle with a full fuel tank, and not that much better than battery-electric cars. BMW and Toyota promise 20 percent improvements in fuel cell efficiency for the next generation, which would equate to a range of 375 miles.
Hydrogen is more expensive than petrol, and the infrastructure for refuelling remains in its infancy. BMW cited European Union targets that must be met by 2030, for the installation of hydrogen fueling stations every 200km on major highways in the bloc.
Michael Rath said that the huge demand from heavy-duty trucks will lead to a rapid development of infrastructure for [refuelling].
Rath, who is tasked with convincing consumers to switch from battery-electric cars to hydrogen vehicles to reduce emissions, said that these vehicles are better for drivers who travel frequently or tow caravans or trailers. He said they were faster to refuel, better for regions with poor charging infrastructure, and more efficient in colder climates.
BMW says hydrogen can complement electric but not replace it
Rath was adamant that hydrogen fuel cell cars were not designed to replace electric vehicles. They are complementary technologies and not competitors. Both cars are electric, but they have different ways to store energy. Hydrogen fuel cell cars combine the best of two worlds: electric driving with quicker refuelling.
“Being solely battery-powered would be like standing with one leg. You can, but only for a short time. “That is why we require a second leg powered by electricity.”
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