BMW Announces Hydrogen-Powered X5 for 2028

2025-09-23 green

Amsterdam, Tuesday, 23 September 2025.
BMW plans to launch the iX5 Hydrogen, a hydrogen fuel cell variant of its X5 SUV, in 2028. This move supports the development of hydrogen ecosystems, marking a sustainable shift in automotive technology.

The Hydrogen Initiative

BMW’s announcement of the iX5 Hydrogen aligns with the HyMoS project, an initiative that aims to accelerate the development of hydrogen ecosystems in metropolitan regions. The project will begin its pilot phase in Germany and France, with plans to expand globally. This initiative is crucial for establishing a viable hydrogen refueling infrastructure, which is currently sparse and expensive [1][2][3].

Collaborative Development

The iX5 Hydrogen will be powered by BMW’s third-generation fuel cell technology, developed in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation. This partnership focuses on creating a more compact design with higher system efficiency. The vehicle architecture will accommodate hydrogen tanks and a fuel cell system, maintaining the versatility of the X5 lineup [1][3].

Market Position and Expectations

BMW plans to position the iX5 Hydrogen alongside its battery electric vehicles (BEVs), offering consumers a range of powertrain options. The vehicle is expected to achieve a range of approximately 500 kilometers on a full tank, with refueling times comparable to traditional gasoline vehicles. This strategic move highlights BMW’s commitment to providing diverse zero-emissions solutions [2][4].

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its potential, hydrogen technology faces challenges such as high infrastructure costs and limited refueling stations. BMW’s efforts through the HyMoS initiative are aimed at overcoming these hurdles by pooling demand across various vehicle types, including trucks, buses, and passenger cars. The success of this initiative could significantly impact the economic viability of hydrogen mobility ecosystems [3][5].

Bronnen

sustainable transportation hydrogen fuel cell