The BMW iX5 undergoes test drives in the desert

BMW IX5 desert

A few BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicles have recently completed an intensive round of hot-weather testing in the desert of the United Arab Emirates, with temperatures soaring to 45°C. This vehicle, introduced in February, showcased the resilience of its fuel cell system, two hydrogen tanks, electric motor, and power battery, even enduring sand, dust and humidity swings.

The Munich-based development team validated the vehicle’s electric systems’ functionality under extreme conditions and ensured the cooling system maintained peak performance.

The BMW iX5 around the world

Several BMW iX5 Hydrogen cars now roams across Europe, Japan, Korea, China, the USA, and the Middle East. The goal here is to illustrate the practicality of hydrogen-powered vehicles for daily use. But BMW has another goal in mind. The brand uses this pilot fleet to provide support for the development of 700-bar refueling stations. Thus promoting hydrogen technology synergy and cost reduction.

The iX5 Hydrogen, a game-changer in green transport, combines long-distance capability and swift refueling. The vehicle could potentially become another pillar in BMW’s future drive system portfolio. With its “technology-open” approach, BMW can respond quickly to changing market demands.

Prime specifications

As a reminder, under the iX5 Hydrogen’s hood you will find a 125 kW/170 hp fuel cell system combines with fifth-gen BMW eDrive technology for a total output of 295 kW / 401 hp. Carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) tanks can store up to 6 kg of hydrogen at 700 bar. This storage capacity provides the vehicle with a range of 504 km (313 miles) in the WLTP cycle.

Do you want to learn more about the BMW IX5 Hydrogen? Then our latest 2 articles on the car should interest you. You can read them here and there

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About the author

Picture of Logan King

Logan King

After an unusual career (3 years in the French army followed by a 3-year degree in Applied Foreign Languages), it was my passion for environmental issues that finally caught up with me and led me to join Seiya Consulting and H2 Today in June 2022. First as an end-of-study internship, then as Marketing & Communication Manager and translator at Hydrogen Today.

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