BMW iX5 Hydrogen-Powered SUV Survives Grueling UAE Desert Heat

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, introduced earlier this year, has successfully completed rigorous testing under extreme conditions in the United Arab Emirates.

In a press release, BMW claimed that the SUV's fuel cell drive system performed impressively in the face of temperatures rising to 45°C and harsh environmental challenges, including sand and dust, steep gradients, and significant fluctuations in humidity.

The integrated components, including a fuel cell system, two hydrogen tanks, an electric motor, a power battery, and the central vehicle control unit, showcased their exceptional performance and readiness.

Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles of BMW

Engineers in Munich thoroughly evaluated the functionality of all-electric systems under these extreme conditions, ensuring that the vehicle could maintain the driving dynamics BMW is known for, even in challenging climates.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, which includes vehicles deployed in Europe, Japan, Korea, China, the USA, and the Middle East, aims to highlight the everyday practicality of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Beyond this, it seeks to gather crucial insights for the potential development of a production model.

The BMW Group said it is actively supporting regional efforts to develop a refueling infrastructure compatible with 700-bar refueling technology across various vehicle categories, from passenger cars to heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

This initiative aims to foster a robust network of hydrogen technology suppliers, ultimately driving down costs. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen offers a combination of long-distance capability and quick refueling stops while ensuring locally emission-free driving.

Given the proper framework, this hydrogen fuel cell technology holds the potential to become a significant component of the BMW Group's future drive system portfolio.

BMW iX5 Hydrogen Boasts a Fuel Cell System

In line with its ongoing transformation, the BMW Group said it is adopting a "technology-open" approach to drive systems, allowing for adaptation to diverse customer needs, infrastructure standards, and regional regulatory contexts.

This adaptability allows the BMW Group to swiftly respond to evolving market demands, ensuring an appealing offering for a wide range of customers.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen boasts a fuel cell system with an output of 125 kW/170 hp and a highly integrated drive unit utilizing fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

This compact unit combines the electric motor, transmission, and power electronics. The overall drive system achieves an output of 295 kW/401 hp.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen utilizes a duo of 700-bar tanks constructed from lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) to store the necessary hydrogen.

These tanks have the capacity to hold around six kilograms of hydrogen, enabling the vehicle to achieve an impressive range of 504 km (313 miles) in the WLTP cycle.