BMW X5 hydrogen fuel-cell previewed

BMW has released pictures of a prototype version of the hydrogen fuel-cell-powered BMW X5 testing on public roads ahead of its 2022 debut.

Said to feature the advanced BMW i Hydrogen Next powertrain, the prototype is believed to be a late-stage development 'mule', with finishing touches and calibrations being carried out by engineers before the zero-emissions X5 is green-lit for the production line.

As well as its advanced hydrogen power, the new X5 also bags the car-maker's fifth-generation eDrive electric motors.

Combined, the fuel-cell, small battery and electric motors provide for a total output of around 275kW, with the H2 fuel system said to generate 125kW alone.

Around 6.0kg of compressed hydrogen is carried in twin 700-bar tanks made of carbon-fibre.

There's no word on driving range at this stage, but BMW says it will take between three and four minutes to top up, about the same time as filling up an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle.

Created as part of a technical partnership with Toyota that dates back to 2013, BMW says its latest fuel-cell technology will be rolled out for mass production in 2025, following a small number of X5 FCEVs to be built from 2022.

In the near future, it’s thought the growing trend to renewable sources of energy such as wind or solar could provide cheaper hydrogen through the electrolysis of water, in turn creating demand for hydrogen-powered cars and trucks.