PressClub Portugal · Article.
Strong performance under extreme conditions: the BMW iX5 Hydrogen undergoes test drives in the desert.
Thu Sep 07 09:00:00 CEST 2023 Informação à Imprensa
+++ Hydrogen fuel cell drive system also performs convincingly in very high temperatures +++ BMW Group reaffirms openness to technology and diversity of emission-free drive systems +++
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Joao Trincheiras
BMW Group
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Author.
Joao Trincheiras
BMW Group
Munich/Dubai. The vehicles in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen
pilot fleet, which launched in February this year, have completed an
intensive round of hot-weather testing in the United Arab Emirates for
the first time. The car’s fuel cell drive system performed
impressively in the face of temperatures rising to 45°C, as well as
sand and dust, varying gradients and significant fluctuations in humidity.
The highly efficient fuel cell system, the two hydrogen tanks,
the electric motor and the power battery teamed up with the central
vehicle control unit to demonstrate their outstanding performance and
state of readiness. The Munich-based development team examined both
the functionality of all the electric systems under the extreme
conditions and the provision of the cooling power to enable the full
performance of the vehicle. The vehicles were able to ensure the
driving dynamics for which BMW is renowned.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen goes around the
world
Vehicles from the pilot fleet are currently in
action in Europe, Japan, Korea, China, the USA and the Middle East.
The aim is to shine a spotlight on the everyday usability of
hydrogen-powered vehicles, and beyond that to gain important knowledge
for the development of a potential series-produced model. The BMW
Group is using the pilot fleet to provide support on a regional level
for the development of a refuelling infrastructure which can be used
with 700-bar refuelling technology across all categories of vehicle –
from passenger cars and small vans to buses and heavy-duty commercial
vehicles. Synergies between different areas of application also offer
important scope for developing a strong network of suppliers in
hydrogen technology and reducing costs.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen combines long-distance capability and short
refuelling stops with locally emission-free driving. Provided the
relevant framework is in place, the hydrogen fuel cell technology has
the potential to serve as another pillar in the BMW Group’s future
drive system portfolio.
As part of its ongoing transformation, the BMW Group is applying
a “technology-open” approach when it comes to drive systems. The
company is therefore adapting to different customer requirements,
infrastructure standards and political and regulatory landscapes in
the various regions of the world. This flexibility puts the BMW Group
in the position to respond quickly to changing requirements in the
markets in any situation and to present an attractive offer for as
many customers as possible at all times.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen has a fuel cell system generating output of
125 kW/170 hp and a highly integrated drive unit using
fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology (the electric motor,
transmission and power electronics are grouped together in a compact
housing). The output of the overall drive system is 295 kW / 401 hp.
The hydrogen needed to power the fuel cell is stored in a pair of
700-bar tanks made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
Together, these tanks can hold around six kilograms of hydrogen. This
storage capacity gives the BMW iX5 Hydrogen a range of 504 km (313
miles) in the WLTP cycle.
CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.
BMW iX5 Hydrogen: Consumption combined in WLTP cycle:
1,19 kg H2/100 km, CO2 emissions combined in WLTP cycle: 0 g/km
Electric range: 504 km (313 miles)