Hydrogen fuel-cell power could be ‘no cost option’ for BMW EV buyers

Hydrogen programme boss reveals firm’s vision of a fuel-cell powered future as iX5 Hydrogen ‘pilot fleet’ arrives in UK

BMW iX5 Hydrogen

Hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains that can be refuelled in minutes could be a no-cost alternative to batteries across a range of BMW electric car models by 2035, as new compact hydrogen fuel tank technology allows the maker to cheaply package hydrogen storage in vehicle platforms designed for both energy sources.

While fuel cell electric cars (FCEVs) such as the Toyota Mirai have been around in limited production for several years, extremely scarce refuelling options and high prices have made them an expensive and impractical proposition for all but a handful of users. According to BMW’s hydrogen programme chief Juergen Guldner though, in volume production FCEVs are potentially cheaper and more sustainable to build than BEVs, as they use 90 per cent less battery material, yet will feature new design solutions allowing BEV and FCEV versions of the same model to share a single ‘skateboard’ style platform, as well as multiple drivetrain components. 

We’re told that while BMW’s latest FCEV prototype, the iX5 Hydrogen, has two large gas tanks located centrally in the vehicle, suppliers have worked hard to produce much smaller tanks which can be sited in multiples within the chassis compartments otherwise used for battery storage in future EV models, while retaining the same strength and overall capacity of 6kgs of hydrogen gas. Innovations such as this, and the fact that it’s much cheaper and easier to recycle FCEVs at end of life compared to BEVs, will make it possible for BMW to contemplate offering fuel cell power as an alternative to batteries at comparable prices, Guldner suggests.

The signs are that the first BMW fuel cell-powered EV (FCEV) to go on sale is likely to be a variant of a new iX electric crossover, with series production starting sometime before 2030. BMW has yet to officially announce a production future for any fuel cell powered model, but the Bavarian firm’s hydrogen boss has confirmed that BMW’s fuel cell strategy is modelled on its roll-out of battery-powered cars (BEVs). That programme started with a series of pilot fleet MINI E and BMW Active E models which were publicly tested and assessed at length, before the company progressed to a single first production EV - the recently discontinued i3. Now BMW has four fully-electric models in its line-up, and all its next generation cars will be BEVs.

According to BMW’s hydrogen chief, the latest iX5 Hydrogen is in a similar pilot phase as the original MINI E, and “if market conditions are right” we can expect a similar phased roll-out of hydrogen fuel-cell powered models. 

BMW Chris Rosamond

Auto Express caught up with Guldner and four vehicles from the iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet at BMW’s UK headquarters yesterday, and while he wouldn’t confirm what the first production model might be, he suggested the iX5 Hydrogen prototype offered “a very good clue” in terms of its size and market position.

Hydrogen filling stations are still vanishingly rare in the UK compared to some other global markets, but even here there are moves afoot to slowly increase availability of the fuel. The situation is set to change much faster in the European Union, where a new law will soon mandate that member nations must install a network of 700-bar hydrogen filling stations suitable for passenger cars at no more than 200km (125-mile) intervals on major routes, and in every population centre of more than 100,000 residents. This means a minimum of 600 filling stations will be in place by 2030, which Guldner told us will “open the door” for BMW’s fuel cell programme.

Partnership
Need to sell your car?
Find your best offer from over 5,000+ dealers. It’s that easy.

The company believes its fuel cell models, developed using core technology bought-in via a long-standing technical partnership with Toyota, will appeal to a number of customers dissatisfied with the charging and range compromises imposed by battery-only EVs.

“We're hearing from people who don't have electric charging at home or at work,” says Guldner, citing the experience of colleagues in Munich whose residential buildings don’t have sufficient electrical capacity to install individual chargers. He also referenced people who drive a lot but need a lot of flexibility, and don't want to plan their lives around the electric charging needs of their car, repeating a quote from one potential customer who said: “When travelling I’d like to eat where I enjoy the food, and not where there’s an electric charge point available.” Other potential fuel cell buyers may live in colder climates where EV battery range can be seriously compromised, while some might value the ability to tow boats or horse trailers without range anxiety, he says.

The UK government currently appears out of step with the EU and other key markets like the USA and China on the issue of supporting infrastructure development for passenger FCEVs. However, BMW has confirmed that Guldner will be demonstrating the iX5 Hydrogen, and making the case for fuel cell powered passenger cars, to various civil servants including a delegation from the Department for Transport during his visit.

What's your view on the future of hydrogen cars in the UK? Have your say in the comments...

Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Recommended

Battery swapping in a Fiat 500? Full charge in five minutes!
Fiat 500 in an Ample battery swapping station
News

Battery swapping in a Fiat 500? Full charge in five minutes!

Modular charging stations developed by start-up company Ample can be set up anywhere in just three days
8 Dec 2023
First £70m of government’s 2020 Rapid Charging Fund to boost motorway EV chargers
Rapid charging Fiat 500
News

First £70m of government’s 2020 Rapid Charging Fund to boost motorway EV chargers

Rishi’s £1bn pledge for motorway charging cash is still locked in the consultation phase as a ‘pilot scheme’ is announced
7 Dec 2023
Geely and NIO agreement could see battery swapping tech on Volvo, Polestar and Lotus cars
Volvo EX30 - front action
News

Geely and NIO agreement could see battery swapping tech on Volvo, Polestar and Lotus cars

The Chinese giant behind Volvo, Polestar and Lotus will join forces with NIO on battery tech
30 Nov 2023
BMW iM3 trademark could preview all-electric M3 super saloon
BMW M3 EV
News

BMW iM3 trademark could preview all-electric M3 super saloon

The next M3 will come with all-electric power
29 Nov 2023

Most Popular

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power
Nissan Qashqai exclusive image - front
News

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power

Major investment in Nissan’s Sunderland plant underpins the new fourth-generation Qashqai
8 Dec 2023
New Omoda 5 to take on the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson when it arrives in early 2024
Omoda 5 - front
News

New Omoda 5 to take on the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson when it arrives in early 2024

The new Omoda 5 SUV will only be available with an all-electric powertrain when it hits the UK next spring, but a hybrid option is expected later
8 Dec 2023
Polestar 4 awarded Car Design of the Year by Car Design News
Polestar 4 - front studio
News

Polestar 4 awarded Car Design of the Year by Car Design News

Car design’s most auspicious peer-awarded prize goes to Polestar 4, while Dacia Manifesto wins Concept Design of the Year
7 Dec 2023