BMW starts testing hydrogen cars in SA

German carmaker BMW is rolling out a pilot fleet of BMW hydrogen fuel powered vehicles in SA, under the brand iX5 Hydrogen.

It has partnered locally with Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) and Sasol and the vehicle trial was announced on the sidelines of the Hydrogen Council’s regional meeting in Sandton, Johannesburg, this week.

It follows the signing of the collaboration agreement in October at SA’s green hydrogen summit.

“Since hydrogen cars combine the advantages of electric driving with the possibility to refuel quickly, they would be ideal for customers who travel a lot or who do not have electric charging at home or at work,” said BMW group general programme manager for hydrogen, Jürgen Guldner.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is the world’s most powerful passenger hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), with an output of 295kW, a top speed of 180km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint in less than six seconds.

It is fully refuelled in only three to four minutes for a range of up to 504km.

The pilot fleet of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is not intended for sale. Depending on the market requirements and general conditions, BMW envisages potentially offering a production vehicle in the second half of the decade. The small fleet is being used around the world to gain insight into the operation of hydrogen FCEVs and customer experience.

As in a battery electric vehicle, an FCEV has an electric drive. The main difference is the energy storage system: instead of electricity in the battery, gaseous hydrogen is stored in tanks and converted into electrical energy for the drive unit via the fuel cell.

The main advantage is that a hydrogen car can be refuelled in the same time as combustion engine vehicles.

Amplats head of projects Prakashim Moodliar said: “We believe partnerships are key to creating a local, sustainable hydrogen economy. Our platinum group metals will play a strategic role in enabling a new industrial sector in the country and globally.”

Moodliar said the engagements represented a clear demonstration of a green mobility ecosystem in action, which showcased the most powerful passenger FCEV. “The future is hydrogen,” he said.