How can hydrogen technology be integrated into a car in a way that combines greater range, faster refueling and BMW’s trademark sheer driving pleasure? The answer lies in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen – and it’s as clever as it is elegant: the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system. With its innovative geometry, the new system stores around seven kilograms of hydrogen and takes less than five minutes to refuel.

 

When it comes to hydrogen in the BMW X5, the powertrain is only part of the equation. Equally important is how the fuel storage system is integrated – and that’s where BMW’s latest tank technology comes into play.

The BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is a case in point. Its new arrangement and tank size not only offer a higher range of up to 750 km but also have the added advantage of making exceptionally efficient use of the available installation space. That means the new system is fully compatible with the Gen6 high-voltage battery – without compromising on space inside the cabin.

It also means models with fuel cell technology can be built on the same production line as other models. The 700-bar high-pressure hydrogen tanks additionally benefit from the mechanical protection provided by the vehicle structure, increasing safety even further.

“Our new storage concept allows us to fit the hydrogen drive system into the new X5 precisely and in a way that saves space,” says Dr Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “Think of it as installation Tetris: every customer gets the drive system best suited to their needs and a true BMW X5 with no compromises. This is technology openness and the art of engineering just the way we developers love them!”

All-new storage system increases range. The new flat tank system consists of seven high-pressure tanks made of carbon fiber-reinforced composite, which are connected in parallel and integrated into a robust metal frame. What sets this design apart is that, instead of individual pressure vessels, multiple chambers are connected to form an enclosed unit controlled by a central main valve. This optimized storage concept increases the range of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen – and has also resulted in several patent applications being filed by the BMW Group.

The system can store at least seven kilograms of hydrogen in total and can be filled from empty in under five minutes. As with all BMW hydrogen models, refueling is safe, clean and fast.

BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage technology forms an integral part of the powertrain, combining with the fuel cell system and the innovative high-voltage battery to deliver the sheer driving pleasure BMW is known for.

The new BMW iX5 Hydrogen also benefits from the new Heart of Joy control software for the drivetrain and chassis, as well as BMW Dynamic Performance Control. It is equipped with latest-generation Gen3 fuel cell technology, which is more efficient and powerful than previous generations.

How the hydrogen model will be integrated into production. Thanks to its smart and highly flexible architecture, the new BMW X5 can be fitted with a choice of five different powertrains, depending on the customer’s requirements – from battery-electric and plug-in hybrid to highly efficient conventional drives and hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Synergies in production are leveraged to maximum effect, with uniform geometric specifications for energy storage systems and drive components reducing both technical complexity and production costs. At the same time, the flexible platform enhances manufacturing robustness, facilitates the integration of new technologies and maximizes scalability – paving the way for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen to be rolled out across the BMW Group’s production network in 2028.

The BMW Group Hydrogen strategy. A technology-open approach and a diverse product portfolio remain key success factors for the BMW Group. By integrating fuel cell technology into the new BMW X5, the company is strategically expanding its production line-up and making the benefits of hydrogen mobility available to customers.

Hydrogen offers electric driving with a long range and fast refueling, while diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on a single infrastructure or raw material supply chain.

The HyPowerDrive project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) as part of the IPCEI Hy2Move. The German Federal Government is providing €191 MM in funding, with additional (co-)funding of €82 MM from the State of Bavaria. Funding is implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ) and coordinated by NOW GmbH.