25 Jun 2024
BMW going full power with hydrogen
BMW is doubling down on hydrogen fuel cell technology, viewing it as a complementary solution alongside battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The German automaker believes both technologies can coexist, each serving different segments and needs within the automotive market.
Hydrogen vs. Electric: Complementary, Not Competing
While many car manufacturers are focusing exclusively on electric power, BMW is investing in both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs). "We don't see it as a competition between the two technologies," said Dr. Juergen Guldner, BMW's general manager of hydrogen technology. He emphasized that offering multiple options is the best way to meet diverse consumer needs and promote decarbonization.
Targeting Different Markets
BMW asserts that BEVs are ideal for smaller passenger vehicles and urban transport, which don't require long-range capabilities or frequent heavy towing. In contrast, hydrogen FCEVs are seen as better suited for long-distance travel and heavy-duty applications, such as utes, vans, heavy trucks, aircraft, and ships. The quick refueling time of three to four minutes for hydrogen vehicles is a significant advantage for these use cases.
The Case for Hydrogen
Hydrogen FCEVs function similarly to electric cars, using a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water as the only emission. This makes them a zero-emission alternative to traditional diesel vehicles, offering a driving range of 500-600 kilometers on a single refuel.
Dr. Guldner highlighted the infrastructure challenges for a fully electric vehicle fleet. A McKinsey & Company study commissioned by the European Union estimated that supporting a fully electric vehicle fleet would require a €1.56 billion investment by 2050. However, integrating hydrogen FCEVs into the mix could reduce this cost by 21%, thanks to a less demanding infrastructure build-out.
Preparing for the Future
BMW is actively testing hydrogen technology, exemplified by its iX5 Hydrogen prototype. This vehicle features a 125kW fuel cell developed in partnership with Toyota and an additional 170kW battery pack, providing a combined range of 500-600 kilometers.
Despite the potential, infrastructure remains a significant bottleneck. Dr. Guldner noted that hydrogen fueling infrastructure needs to evolve organically, starting with commercial fleets and early adopters before expanding to private use. Government incentives, such as free parking or streamlined approvals for new hydrogen stations, could accelerate this rollout.
Looking Ahead
BMW's cautious yet optimistic approach aims to commercialize hydrogen FCEVs by the end of the decade, with potential production models appearing in the 2030s. The company is committed to developing a robust infrastructure and overcoming the challenges associated with hydrogen fuel.
In a world increasingly focused on sustainable solutions, BMW's dual approach to electric and hydrogen power positions it as a forward-thinking leader in the automotive industry. As Dr. Guldner aptly put it, "What we all want is to decarbonize and basically save our planet."
Stay tuned as BMW continues to innovate and push the boundaries of sustainable automotive technology.
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