BMW’s X5 SUV will get a hydrogen fuel-cell version in 2022

  • BMW is betting big on hydrogen fuel-cell and the i Hydrogen NEXT in the X5 will get a limited production run.
File photo of BMW X5 SportX used for representational purpose.
File photo of BMW X5 SportX used for representational purpose.

BMW AG will make a version of its X5 SUV that runs on hydrogen fuel-cells, part of the carmaker’s plan of producing as many drive variants as possible until one technology proves dominant.

The i Hydrogen NEXT will get a limited production run starting in 2022, the German manufacturer said in a statement Friday. Toyota Motor Corp. will supply the fuel cells for the vehicle.

Also check these Cars

Find more Cars
Bmw X5 M (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon4395.0 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 1.95 Cr
Compare
Bmw X5 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2998 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 93.90 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Bmw X4 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2998 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 96.20 Lakhs
Compare
Bmw M3 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon2998 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 65 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Bmw I7 (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon101.7kWh Range Icon625 km
₹ 1.95 Cr
Compare
View Offers
Bmw Xm (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon4395.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 2.60 Cr
Compare
View Offers

The technology “could have the potential to become another pillar in the portfolio of BMW," Chief Executive Officer Oliver Zipse said.

Also Read : Fuel-cell maker Bloom Energy now wants to make hydrogen too

Hydrogen fuel cells were long seen as a viable alternative because the technology provides fast refueling and long ranges -- solving many of the problems electric cars still face. But automakers have in past years discontinued hydrogen models because of the high cost of the technology and, more recently, rising pressure to conserve cash to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Daimler AG stopped development of a hydrogen version of its GLC SUV in April, and said it would focus on making hydrogen-powered trucks and vans with Volvo Group.

Germany recently took the lead in bolstering the technology, presenting a 7-billion euro ($8.1 billion) plan last month to support its domestic hydrogen industry. The country is targeting 5 gigawatts of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, which would double by 2035.

Zipse, who was head of production at BMW before becoming CEO last year, is sticking to a strategy of making as many variants of a car. The manufacturer currently makes battery-powered and combustion engine cars on one production line, which Zipse says lets the company react more flexibly to demand.

Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India.

First Published Date: 24 Jul 2020, 15:35 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.