{"id":83792,"date":"2025-09-23T08:33:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T12:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=83792"},"modified":"2025-09-23T08:33:15","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T12:33:15","slug":"2028-bmw-ix5-hydrogen-testing-lessons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=83792","title":{"rendered":"2028 BMW iX5 Hydrogen: What BMW Learned After One Million Kilometers of Testing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"quick-links\">\n<div class=\"quicklink-container\"> <noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/themes\/wpdevel\/assets\/images\/quicklink.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"quicklink-icon\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20210%20140%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/themes\/wpdevel\/assets\/images\/quicklink.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload quicklink-icon\"\/> <strong>QUICK LINKS<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>BMW has dabbled with hydrogen for decades \u2014 from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2016\/08\/17\/bmw-stop-making-hydrogen-7-model\/\">Hydrogen 7 luxury sedans<\/a> of the 2000s to more recent prototypes that quietly tested the limits of fuel cell technology. Now, the company is preparing for its first-ever production hydrogen car. In 2028, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2025\/09\/21\/2028-bmw-ix5-hydrogen-production-confirmed\/\">BMW iX5 Hydrogen, based on the upcoming G65-generation X5<\/a>, will roll into showrooms. It won\u2019t be just another drivetrain option. For BMW, it marks a statement: that the future of mobility will not be dominated by a single solution.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00.jpg\"><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-830x554.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-505723\" width=\"830\" height=\"554\" title=\"MICHAEL RATH BMW 00\" alt=\"MICHAEL RATH BMW 00\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-1534x1024.jpg 1534w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20554%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-830x554.jpg\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-505723\" width=\"830\" height=\"554\" title=\"MICHAEL RATH BMW 00\" alt=\"MICHAEL RATH BMW 00\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-1534x1024.jpg 1534w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/michael-rath-bmw-00.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We sat down with Michael Rath, Vice President Hydrogen Vehicles BMW Group, to discuss what BMW has learned so far, how the iX5 will differ from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2023\/02\/27\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-test-drive\/\">earlier prototypes<\/a>, and why the Munich brand believes hydrogen belongs alongside EVs, hybrids, and combustion cars.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"pilot\">Lessons from the Pilot Fleet<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4.jpg\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-830x553.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-459344\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW iX5 Hydrogen desert testing-4\" alt=\"BMW iX5 Fleet in the desert\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20553%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-830x553.jpg\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-459344\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW iX5 Hydrogen desert testing-4\" alt=\"BMW iX5 Fleet in the desert\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BMW-iX5-Hydrogen-desert-testing-4-300x200.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2023\/09\/07\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-testing-iat-45c\/\">BMW\u2019s pilot fleet of iX5 Hydrogen test cars<\/a> was deployed across 20 countries and clocked more than one million kilometers. Rath described the results as both encouraging and educational. \u201cWe found out that this technology is very mature and robust,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was very surprising that the entire system is so robust at this early stage of development. Customers also loved the driving experience \u2014 the combination of electric smoothness with faster refueling.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Still, the test program revealed some minor practical challenges. \u201cThere were some minor points we found out in terms of freeze preparation \u2014 how do you manage all the water within the system when temperatures drop? That\u2019s something we considered for the series model.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"x5\">Why the X5?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07-830x553.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-505665\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 07\" alt=\"BMW X5 G65 prototype testing with hydrogen fuel cell system\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20553%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07-830x553.jpg\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-505665\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 07\" alt=\"BMW X5 G65 prototype testing with hydrogen fuel cell system\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-07.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Why launch hydrogen in the X5? Rath said the choice was deliberate. \u201cThe iX5 will be available with five drivetrains: combustion engine, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell,\u201d he explained. \u201cThe X5 is a volume pillar of our portfolio, running all across the planet. And the bigger the car, the bigger the resistance \u2014 the better hydrogen fits. It\u2019s the right technology.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The decision also highlights the versatility of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2020\/11\/04\/bmw-clar-2025\/\">BMW\u2019s CLAR architecture<\/a>, which was designed from the start to accommodate multiple powertrains.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"fuelcell\">A Third-Generation Fuel Cell, Built with Toyota<\/h3>\n<p>BMW\u2019s hydrogen development continues in partnership with Toyota. The 2028 iX5 will debut a third-generation fuel cell system that Rath described as a major leap. \u201cWe jointly developed the system with Toyota, and both of our companies bring all our competencies into this cooperation. We did a huge leap from the second generation to the third in terms of efficiency, power, and especially volume. The system is 25% smaller than before.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The downsizing wasn\u2019t achieved by a single breakthrough, but by incremental improvements across the system. \u201cWe reduced them in all dimensions \u2014 the water pump, the compressor, the air subsystem. Basically, across all components we saved volume.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"packaging\">Packaging and Everyday Usability<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02-830x553.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-505668\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 02\" alt=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE rear end\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20553%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02-830x553.jpg\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-505668\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 02\" alt=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE rear end\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-02.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>While integrating hydrogen tanks could raise concerns about interior or luggage space, Rath stressed that the 2028 iX5 Hydrogen will feel no different from its combustion or electric counterparts in everyday usability. \u201cThis car will be, from a customer point of view, fully like all other drivetrains in terms of luggage and compartments,\u201d he said. \u201cThere will be no restrictions dedicated for hydrogen.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When pressed about the tank layout, Rath remained tight-lipped, declining to share specifics. He did, however, stress that customers won\u2019t notice a difference in usability compared to ICE or BEV X5 models. Range will also improve. \u201cWe really work hard on the range to provide more than now, because it\u2019s very important at an early stage when station density is low.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"infrastructure\">Infrastructure: The Biggest Hurdle<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_446001\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"830\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133-830x553.jpg\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-446001\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"On Location BMW iX5 Hydrogen Antwerp\" alt=\"BMW iX5 Hydrogen at a refilling station\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20553%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133-830x553.jpg\" class=\"lazyload size-medium wp-image-446001\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"On Location BMW iX5 Hydrogen Antwerp\" alt=\"BMW iX5 Hydrogen at a refilling station\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-2023-133.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a> On Location BMW iX5 Hydrogen Antwerp<\/figure>\n<p>No discussion of hydrogen is complete without addressing infrastructure. BMW knows that without stations, customers won\u2019t commit. Rath explained that BMW is partnering with energy providers and other automakers to make fueling viable.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have an initiative partnering with several companies who are into the hydrogen game, to really combine all our demands at the pump,\u201d he said. \u201cWe team up to bundle demands from all vehicle types and define locations where refueling stations can work on a profitable basis, so they\u2019re coming to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When pressed on whether BMW might explore dealer-based refueling pilots \u2014 for instance, installing hydrogen pumps at large dealerships in early-adopter regions \u2014 Rath was cautious. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s too early to talk about,\u201d he admitted, declining to give specifics.<\/p>\n<p>Globally, hydrogen availability remains uneven. \u201cJapan and South Korea already have very good density,\u201d Rath noted. \u201cThe West Coast of the U.S. is also promising, though California is struggling a little because prices are too high \u2014 around $36 per kilogram.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In Europe, prices vary. Rath cited \u20ac18\/kg in Antwerp, though he admitted that is still expensive. \u201cWe think a price point at roughly \u20ac10 is feasible,\u201d he added. \u201cAt that level, hydrogen is competitive with gasoline.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>BMW believes economies of scale will help. \u201cRight now, prices are very much driven by distribution costs and running costs at the pump. Once there\u2019s turnover, the price scales down. It\u2019s not really tied to the current purchasing price of hydrogen.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As for density, Rath gave a number: \u201cIn Germany, we see roughly 500 stations as a minimum viable network to have a very good use case for customers without too many roundabouts.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"customer\">The Customer Profile<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01-830x553.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-505671\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 01\" alt=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE fleet\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20553%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01-830x553.jpg\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-505671\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 01\" alt=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE fleet\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-01.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Who is BMW building the iX5 Hydrogen for? Rath described the target buyers as those who want the advantages of electric driving but need more flexibility. \u201cWe see the car appropriate for those who want to go electric but need faster refueling as a feature,\u201d he said. \u201cEspecially for towing cases, in cold climates, and maybe also for fleets.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He stressed that incentives won\u2019t define the market. \u201cYou cannot really plan around incentives because they are turning so fast. In most regions, incentives for fuel cell electric vehicles are very similar to battery-electric vehicles.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bev\">Advantages Over BEVs<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17-830x553.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-505657\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 17\" alt=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 17\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20553%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17-830x553.jpg\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-505657\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 17\" alt=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 17\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-17.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>For those wondering why hydrogen is needed at all, Rath pointed to its unique benefits. \u201cThe main advantage is that the car drives fully like a battery electric vehicle \u2014 smooth, silent, instant acceleration \u2014 and at the same time, it refuels like a gasoline engine in four minutes,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt combines the advantages of both worlds.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Cold-weather performance is another edge. \u201cIn a fuel cell system, you have excess energy in the conversion of hydrogen and oxygen. You can use that to heat the car. In a battery-electric car, you need a dedicated heater that consumes energy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>On weight, Rath admitted the numbers are still under development. \u201cThe first iX5 Hydrogen was roughly in the same range of weight as the plug-in hybrid. We haven\u2019t disclosed the production weight yet for the new car.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"beyond\">Beyond the X5<\/h3>\n<p>So is this just the start? Rath didn\u2019t confirm additional hydrogen models, but he emphasized the system\u2019s scalability. \u201cWe are now launching the first car, and we haven\u2019t decided yet on the further rollout,\u201d he said. \u201cBut the system is designed to be rolled out in several courses.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When asked what he would tell a skeptical EV customer standing in a dealership, Rath\u2019s answer was simple: \u201cNot changing your habits. You can stick with your habits like you\u2019re used to from gasoline cars. Everything stays the same, and at the same time, you have this instant, smooth acceleration.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"vision\">BMW\u2019s Hydrogen Vision<\/h3>\n<p>BMW calls this its technology-open approach. Rather than bet on a single drivetrain, the company believes customers should decide \u2014 and that different markets require different solutions. The iX5 Hydrogen isn\u2019t meant to replace battery EVs, but to complement them. In larger vehicles, in regions with cold climates, or in use cases like towing, hydrogen offers advantages a BEV can\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>Rath summed up the philosophy: \u201cOnce you can refuel quickly, you don\u2019t have to think around the entire process. That\u2019s the message.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"road\">The Road to 2028<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03-830x553.jpg\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-505670\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 03\" alt=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 03\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20553%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03-830x553.jpg\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-505670\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" title=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 03\" alt=\"BMW IX5 HYDROGEN G65 PROTOTYPE 03\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-g65-prototype-03.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The next three years will be decisive. Hydrogen fueling networks must grow, costs must fall, and customer awareness must rise. Rath is optimistic.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s lots of movement going on all across the world,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are very confident there will be further growth, especially from transport and commercial applications.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>QUICK LINKS BMW has dabbled with hydrogen for decades \u2014 from the Hydrogen 7 luxury sedans of the 2000s to more recent prototypes that quietly tested the limits of fuel cell technology. Now, the company is preparing for its first-ever production hydrogen car. In 2028, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, based on the upcoming G65-generation X5, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8313,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-83792","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83792","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=83792"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83792\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=83792"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=83792"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=83792"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}