TRIED & TESTED
BMW iX5 Hydrogen
Hydrogen has long been talked about as a serious option for vehicles, but any sort of roll-out faces some familiar challenges. By John Challen
TRIED & TESTED
BMW iX5 Hydrogen
Hydrogen has long been talked about as a serious option for vehicles, but any sort of roll-out faces some familiar challenges. By John Challen
A lot has been said – and not just in this issue of EV Fleet World – about infrastructure for electric vehicles. While the number of chargers, as well as their reliability, is not up to scratch for some drivers, spare a thought for those who are championing hydrogen. Hydrogen filling stations are few and far between in the UK – there are just 12 across the country – which creates challenges for those drivers of hydrogen vehicles who are looking to cover long distances.
The number of hydrogen-powered vehicles is tiny compared with more conventional power sources, but BMW is looking to do something about that.
The German manufacturer has developed a fleet of under 100 iX5 Hydrogen models as it thinks the fuel has a role to play alongside BEV, HEV and PHEV models over the coming years.
BMW claims that the two different approaches to decarbonisation complement each other, not least because of the differences in storage and recharging/refuelling times. It believes that to refuel the two 6kg tanks with hydrogen takes around four minutes, which will be an appealing number to those who are not convinced about waiting times when it comes to charging an EV. BMW is also looking to drivers in cold climates and those who tow to get onboard.
Whether its plans will take off in the UK remains to be seen, but the manufacturer has engaged with the UK government – who have firmly embraced the transition to EVs – about its plans. Further afield, the EU has planned to build a network of hydrogen refuelling stations every 200km by 2030. The jury’s out on whether the UK will follow in a similar fashion, but many believe growing the EV charger network is the priority.
The iX5’s fuel cell stack generates a high continuous output of 170hp and works with a 231hp lithium-ion battery pack to offer a total of 401hp. Acceleration from 0-62mph is timed at under six seconds and the car can go on to hit a top speed of 112mph. The hydrogen within the two tanks is enough, says BMW to offer a theoretical driving range of 313 miles (WLTP) with a hydrogen consumption figure of 1.19kg/100km.
In terms of the technology itself, hydrogen works well and the iX5 – based on BMW’s current X5 – is an impressive vehicle that behaves pretty much like an electric car. There’s the same instant acceleration, refinement and zero emissions that battery-powered vehicles offer. There’s also a decent regenerative braking setup, including one-pedal mode for maximising efficiency.
“The number of hydrogen-powered vehicles is tiny compared with more conventional power sources, but BMW is looking to do something about that”
EXPERIENCE
BMW iX5 Hydrogen
VERDICT
In the case of the iX5, it’s not the actual vehicle that will hold drivers back, it’s more the infrastructure (or lack of it) currently in the UK. With just 12 refuelling stations operational around the country – but that figure is rising slowly – a hydrogen car will only realistically make sense to people who live near one.
As a product – albeit in concept form – the iX5 is an impressive offering. Like the iX1 and iX3, it makes the most of its solid underpinnings and embraces the converted powertrain with ease. When – and if – it becomes a production reality, iX5 has the potential to become a popular choice for fleets, with the caveat of a viable refuelling network being in place.
