BMW, the renowned German carmaker, is reportedly considering offering hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains as a ‘no-cost option’ for its electric car lineup starting from 2035.

According to recent media reports, BMW’s innovative compact hydrogen fuel tank technology enables the integration of hydrogen storage within vehicle platforms designed for both electric and hydrogen energy sources. This breakthrough allows for the installation of smaller hydrogen tanks in various locations within the chassis, replacing the need for larger tanks while maintaining chassis strength. Notably, these smaller tanks will have the capacity to store the same amount of hydrogen (6kg) as the current iX5 Hydrogen prototype.

The adoption of this new storage technique, coupled with the lower recycling costs associated with fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), paves the way for BMW to potentially offer fuel cell power as a competitive alternative at a similar price point.

The initial BMW model to feature a fuel-cell powertrain will be a variant of the iX electric SUV. The company is currently conducting a pilot production run of the iX5 Hydrogen prototype, with plans to commence series production by 2030.

The integration of hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains in BMW’s electric car range holds significant implications for the automotive industry.

Goals:

To provide customers with the option of hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains alongside traditional battery electric systems.
To leverage compact hydrogen storage technology to enhance the versatility and range of electric vehicles.
To promote the adoption of fuel cell technology as a sustainable and viable solution for zero-emission mobility.

Technology:

BMW’s compact hydrogen fuel tank technology enables the integration of smaller hydrogen tanks within the chassis of electric vehicles.
This technology optimizes space utilization and maintains chassis strength, thereby ensuring safety and performance.
The tanks can store up to 6kg of hydrogen, providing a comparable range to existing hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Fuel cell powertrains convert hydrogen into electricity, offering extended driving range and shorter refueling times compared to battery-only electric vehicles.

In conclusion, BMW’s exploration of hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains as a ‘no-cost option’ for its electric car range signals the company’s commitment to providing versatile and sustainable mobility solutions. By leveraging innovative compact hydrogen storage technology, BMW aims to offer customers the benefits of extended range and quicker refueling times while maintaining cost competitiveness. As the automotive industry advances towards decarbonization, the integration of hydrogen fuel cells in electric vehicles has the potential to shape the future of zero-emission transportation.