BMW Challenges Hydrogen Cars: "Mass Production of Hydrogen Cars Running 500km Within 10 Years"

BMW Group Aims to Mass-Produce Hydrogen Cars Within 10 Years
Simultaneous Construction of Hydrogen and Electric Charging Stations Increases Economic Efficiency
Hydrogen Cars More Advantageous Than Electric Cars in Reducing Production Costs

BMW, a leader in internal combustion engines, has thrown down the gauntlet in developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. BMW highly values the potential of hydrogen energy in various aspects such as eco-friendliness, charging convenience, economic feasibility of infrastructure development, and renewable energy storage. The company plans to launch a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (hereafter referred to as hydrogen car) with a driving range of 500 km within 10 years after testing in various countries and climates.

On the 11th, BMW Korea held the 'iX5 Hydrogen Day' event at the BMW Driving Center in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, to explain BMW Group's direction in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle development. At the event, BMW Korea invited Dr. J?rgen Guldner, who oversees the Group's hydrogen technology sector.

BMW Group first unveiled the iX5 Hydrogen as a concept car at the 2019 Munich International Auto Show (IAA). Later, in 2021 at the IAA, the prototype was showcased for the first time worldwide. After four years of testing, it was introduced domestically for the first time this year at the Seoul Mobility Show. On the same day, BMW Korea also arranged a test drive event where attendees could experience the iX5 Hydrogen on the circuit. This indicates that BMW Group's hydrogen fuel cell development technology has advanced enough to be publicly announced.

BMW iX5 Hydrogen
Photo by BMW Korea

The iX5 Hydrogen's powertrain consists of a drive unit mounted on the rear wheels and a specially developed lithium-ion battery. The fuel cell output is 125 kW (170 horsepower), with a total output reaching 295 kW (401 horsepower). Compared to the competing model, Hyundai Motor Company's Nexo, the iX5 Hydrogen has a more powerful output but a shorter driving range. The iX5 Hydrogen can travel 500 km (WLTP standard) with a 3 to 4-minute charge, and its 0-100 km/h acceleration time is under 6 seconds.

Dr. Juergen Gultner, who oversees BMW's hydrogen car project, is demonstrating hydrogen refueling on the iX5 Hydrogen.
[Photo by Woo Su-yeon]

Dr. Guldner highly evaluated the usability of hydrogen energy from various perspectives, including ▲charging convenience of hydrogen cars ▲economic feasibility of hydrogen refueling infrastructure ▲reduction of production costs such as raw material prices ▲utilization of renewable energy.

First, the ability to charge in just 3 to 4 minutes is the biggest attraction of hydrogen cars. This high charging convenience makes them suitable for long-distance driving compared to electric vehicles. Unlike electric vehicles, whose driving range is affected by seasons and temperatures, hydrogen cars can maintain a consistent driving range at all times.

BMW iX5 Hydrogen Fuel Cell [Photo by BMW Korea]

Dr. Guldner argued that the economic feasibility actually increases when hydrogen and electric charging stations are built together. He said, "According to research results from external organizations such as McKinsey, operating both electric and hydrogen charging infrastructure together is more economical than operating only one (electric charging station). Recently, hydrogen refueling stations have undergone technological innovations, such as enabling continuous refueling for up to 10 vehicles and improving energy efficiency."

He also explained that production costs give hydrogen cars an advantage over electric vehicles. Hydrogen cars can reduce battery raw material usage to about one-tenth compared to electric vehicles. Dr. Guldner said, "Hydrogen cars can assemble fuel cells in existing production facilities and use many existing standard parts, meaning high-quality mass production is possible."

Last year, the proportion of pure electric vehicle sales in BMW Group's total sales was about 9%. This year, the company plans to increase this proportion to 15%. To achieve the decarbonization goal by 2030, it aims to raise it to 50%. Among these efforts, the strategy is to accelerate decarbonization by also utilizing hydrogen cars.

Frank Weber, BMW Group Board Member in charge of development, said, "Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that plays a key role in BMW achieving climate neutrality. BMW believes that, in the long term, mixing battery and hydrogen fuel cell drive systems is a wise approach."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.