BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet arrives in the Middle East.
Read More: The BMW M1 Art Car
Read More: BMW's M850i Is a Tour de Force
Read More: The 2019 BMW X7 Is Here and It Is Gigantic
BMW Group collaborates with government and industry partners across
the Middle East to showcase and test hydrogen technology.
Dubai. With a global fleet of around 100 vehicles employed internationally, five
BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicles arriving in the Middle East will showcase the
company’s commitment towards the individual and sustainable mobility of the
future. Given the need for a managed energy transition, the pilot fleet will
demonstrate the reliability and suitability of alternative CO2-free drive systems for
everyday use.
“Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that has a key role to play in the energy
transition process and therefore in climate protection. After all, it is one of the
most efficient ways of storing and transporting renewable energies”, said Oliver
Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “We should use
this potential to also accelerate the transformation of the mobility sector.
Hydrogen is the missing piece in the jigsaw when it comes to emission-free
mobility. One technology on its own will not be enough to enable climate-neutral
mobility worldwide.”
As one of the most efficient options for storing and transporting renewable
energy, hydrogen has a clear potential in complementing electromobility. It will
contribute to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and play a major role
as a fuel in the Middle.
“BMW’s commitment to hydrogen aligns with our ambition to become the world's
most sustainable premium car manufacturer and provider of individual mobility
Corporate Communications
solutions,” said Dr. Hamid Haqparwar, Managing Director, BMW Group
Middle East. “Our pilot fleet will complement the region’s energy initiatives ahead
of COP28 and is scheduled for hot weather testing in the Middle East – an
important prerequisite for the vehicle development process.”
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen
Based on the current BMW X5, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen was first unveiled as a
concept at the IAA show in 2019. Its centrepiece is the highly efficient next-
generation fuel-cell system, generating a high continuous output of 125 kW/170
hp. In combination with a highly integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW
eDrive technology, the powertrain channels maximum output of 295 kW/401 hp
onto the road.
Hydrogen Allows Rapid Refuelling
The hydrogen needed to supply the fuel-cell is stored in two 700-bar tanks made
of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together these hold almost six
kilograms of hydrogen, enough to give the BMW iX5 Hydrogen a range of 504 km
(313 miles) in the WLTP cycle. Filling up the hydrogen tanks only takes three to
four minutes – so the BMW iX5 Hydrogen can also provide the driving pleasure
for which BMW is renowned over long distances, with just a few brief stops along
the way. This proves to be a necessary advantage in areas which will face
limitations with EV charging infrastructure.