BMW continues working on an innovative fuel-cell-powered SUV named the iX5, which is scheduled to reach production in three years’ time, Asia Nikkei reports.
According to Pieter Nota, head of the Bavarian company’s sales department, the premiere of the hydrogen car will highlight the manufacturer’s dedication to producing EVs as emission standard grow stricter by the day in Europe.
The concept with the same name debuted in Frankfurt three years ago. The company said back then it had hoped to start small-scale production in the fall of 2022.
A production-close prototype was shown to the media last year, allegedly powered by a powertrain derived from the iX EV, boosted from 300 to 374 metric horsepower (296 to 366 hp; 221 to 273 kW, respectively).
The iX5 utilizes fuel cells instead of conventional traction battery units and produces electric power through a reaction with the oxygen taken straight from the atmosphere. The approach works fast and ensures a long driving range with only 3-4 minutes spent at refueling stations.
The technical parameters of the final production SUV remain unannounced; all we know is that it will utilize two six-liter hydrogen tanks.