BMW Hasn't Given Up on Hydrogen Vehicles, Here's the Proof

JAKARTA - Despite its limited appeal, BMW is one of the few manufacturers that hasn't given up on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs).

According to InsideEV's website on Monday, September 22, BMW remains steadfast in its FCEV dream and plans to launch a new fuel cell SUV, or a version of the iX5, which will have a choice of powertrains.

This would bring the number of engine options for the new X5 to five (gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, electric, and hydrogen fuel cell). It's unclear whether BMW truly believes there's a market for this hydrogen variant or is simply showcasing its technological prowess.

However, BMW board member Joachim Post hinted at this when he said that by launching the new BMW X5 with five drivetrain options, the company is once again demonstrating its leading position as a technology pioneer.

"Hydrogen has a crucial role to play in global decarbonization, which is why we are committed to driving this technology forward," he said.

He didn't specify where exactly BMW will sell the FCEV variant, but countries with the best infrastructure to support it are Japan, South Korea, parts of China, and California.

BMW's fuel cell vehicle technology was developed in conjunction with Toyota, and the iX5 FCEV promises to operate as cleanly as a pure electric vehicle, without the need for a large and heavy battery pack. A vehicle the size of the X5 requires a battery capacity of over 100 kilowatt-hours to have sufficient range to compete.

The next-generation X5 (codenamed G65) will use the same CLAR platform as the current model and other larger BMW models, except for front-wheel drive. BMW will launch the G65 in 2026 with combustion engines, PHEVs, and electric powertrains, with the FCEV model arriving two years later, in 2028.