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The FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) is put to the test in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen test on an ice course in northern Sweden. We put the car through its paces in temperatures as low as -10C / 14F and take it for a spin. With 125 kW/170 hp, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen’s rear-wheel drive is capable of short bursts of high acceleration, allowing it to deliver up to 275 kW/374 hp. And when you try to push the rear, you can feel the increased power.
Fuel cell electric vehicles are BMW’s second attempt. In 2015, BMW presented a prototype of the 5 Series Gran Turismo as part of another Toyota-BMW partnership. We had the opportunity to test a prototype FCEV at BMW’s Miramas proving ground in the south of France. The iX5 FCEV, a joint project with Toyota, keeps BMW’s fuel cell programme alive, as the Bavarians believe that hydrogen can be a very effective technology for long-distance vehicles in the future.
In theory, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can complement the brand’s product range where conventional electric vehicles have problems. For example, hydrogen can be a real alternative in places where there are no fast-charging stations.
Ultimately, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen has the driving characteristics and balance of a BMW X5, but with the performance and efficiency of a battery-powered electric car. It’s a fascinating development that has the potential to become a major mode of transport in the future. What’s more, the hydrogen tanks can be filled in just three to four minutes and have a range of 300 miles, which is more than enough for most people’s daily commute (500 km).
