BMW Tests Dual Hydrogen and Battery System in the iX5
The German brand BMW is advancing its electric mobility strategy with an innovative prototype. Its future iX5 SUV integrates two energy sources: a hydrogen fuel cell and a conventional electric battery. This technical development seeks to address the main challenge of range in pure electric vehicles. 🚗⚡
How the Hydrogen Hybrid Technology Works
The system does not rely solely on a large battery. It uses compressed hydrogen stored in special tanks. The fuel cell processes this hydrogen with oxygen from the air to generate electricity directly on board. This energy continuously charges a lithium-ion battery, which is what ultimately powers the electric motor.
Key advantages of the dual system:- Fast refueling: Filling the hydrogen tanks is as quick as refueling gasoline.
- Power management: The battery responds to instant acceleration demands and recovers energy when braking.
- Constant supply: The fuel cell provides stable energy, extending the battery's lifespan.
BMW's goal is for this prototype to achieve more than 1,000 kilometers with a full charge of both systems.
Optimizing Weight to Gain Range
Combining both technologies allows for a more efficient design. With the fuel cell as the main generator, the battery can be smaller in capacity and weight. This avoids loading the vehicle with a huge battery, which is one of the factors that most penalizes range and dynamics. BMW is evaluating this concept in the luxury segment, where extensive range and refueling time are decisive for customers. ⚖️🔋
Strategies in the Automotive Industry:- Single focus: Some manufacturers bet exclusively on large-capacity electric batteries.
- Dual focus: BMW and others explore hydrogen as the ideal complement for long-distance trips.
- Infrastructure challenge: Commercial viability depends on developing a wide network of hydrogen stations.
The Future of Hydrogen in Electric Mobility
This iX5 prototype represents an alternative technological path. While ultra-fast charging infrastructure for batteries expands, hydrogen offers a solution for those who need maximum flexibility. It remains to be seen whether the market and investments in infrastructure will support this technology, which aims to combine the best of two worlds: the range of a fuel and the efficiency of an electric. 🌍🔬