"Small quantity" production of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen begins

After an extensive final development phase, BMW has started production of the hydrogen fuel cell iX5 Hydrogen in Munich.

However, the innovative SUV will not be mass-produced – instead, a small number of units will roll off the production line to be used as demonstrator vehicles in 2023.

The experimental model is powered by a pair of electric motors, which combine to produce 369bhp.

They are the company's fifth-generation eDrive engines, which are also found in the i7 and iX electric cars.

However, instead of drawing stored electricity from a battery pack like a conventional electric car, the iX5 generates its electricity through a chemical reaction between stored hydrogen and oxygen from the air, via a fuel cell capable of generated up to 155kW.

Residual heat from the system is used to heat the cabin when needed, it reports Auto Express, Telegrafi reports.

BMW has chosen its Research and Innovation Center in Munich to build the iX5, using platforms supplied by the firm's factory in Spartanburg, USA.

To accommodate the two hydrogen tanks, an underbody is installed along with the car's 400V electrical system, battery and fuel cells.

The completed vehicles will make "tours" in selected regions next spring to publicize the zero-emissions powertrain solution.

The BMW iX5 completed winter testing earlier this year near the Arctic Circle and was able to deliver peak performance despite temperatures dropping to -20 degrees Celsius. /Telegraph/