BMW bringing hydrogen-powered iX5s to Australia
BMW Australia is set to bring three hydrogen fuel-cell electric iX5s to Australia early in 2024 as it seeks to demonstrate its ever-evolving technological advancements in hydrogen power.
The brands says the hydrogen SUVs will sit alongside its battery-electric cars as part of a broader shift away from the traditional internal-combustion engine.
With demonstrations and workshops at the Munich motor show this week, the German brand was keen to emphasise the fact it believes hydrogen-powered electric vehicles have a place in the future of mobility.
Having previously tested hydrogen power, BMW believes the fuel will serve a greater purpose for larger vehicles and commercial transport requirements in the future.
The BMW iX5 in question is powered by a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain consisting of two tanks made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) storing up to 6kg of hydrogen under 700 bar of pressure, a fuel cell that produces 125kW, an electric motor and a battery pack. BMW says the total vehicle output is 295kW.
Refuelling takes just a few minutes and a full fill of hydrogen gives roughly 500km of range.
