A 374 hp propulsion system, 170 hp fuel cell and approximately 600 kilometers of autonomy, are three of the main characteristics of the new vehicle that will break into the hydrogen market: The BMW i Hydrogen NEXT.
This new bet by BMW has emerged in collaboration with the automotive giant, Toyota, and has been based on the structure of the BMW X5, one of the flagship models of the German brand, which will now be born in an environmentally friendly version.
For the moment, the future of the zero-emission vehicles that will be in the market is uncertain and whether those powered by hydrogen will displace the rest is anyone’s guess.
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However, BMW knows that in the next decade CO2-free cars will reign, so in 2022 it will show the world the final prototype of the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT.
The new car is expected to be mass-produced from 2025, although everything will depend on demand and advances in the market. A key factor in the distribution of the vehicle will be the development of the charging infrastructure, which is currently very scarce in Europe and America.
The system
Two tanks capable of storing 6 kilos (13 pounds) of hydrogen at 700 bars of pressure will function as the basis for a range that could reach 600 kilometers.
In addition, the vehicle will have a battery that will be in charge of managing and distributing the excess energy to inject it back into the system, offering extra power when overtaking or accelerating.
Currently the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT is in a testing phase through different roads throughout Europe; one year from its partial production that could start early next year.
Written by | Osward Rubio
