BMW reveals flat hydrogen storage for iX5 Hydrogen

BMW Group has revealed a flat hydrogen storage system for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, a seven-tank carbon-fibre assembly that extends range to up to 750km (prototype figure) and can be filled from empty in under five minutes.

The system consists of seven high-pressure tanks made of carbon-fibre reinforced composite, which are connected with one another in parallel and integrated into a robust metal frame.

It is capable of storing up to seven kilograms of hydrogen at 700 bar, while also being compatible with BMW’s Gen6 high-voltage battery to ensure no room is lost inside the cabin.

Models with fuel cell technology can therefore be built on the same production line as those with other drive system types.

The 700 bar high-pressure hydrogen tanks additionally benefit from the mechanical protection provided by the vehicle structure, further increasing safety.

“Our new storage concept allows us to fit the hydrogen drive system into the new X5 precisely and in a way that saves space,” said Dr Joachim Post, member of the board of management of BMW AG responsible for development.

“Think of it as installation Tetris: every customer gets the drive system best suited to their needs and a true BMW X5 with no compromises. This is technology openness and the art of engineering just the way we developers love them,” he added.

BMW’s flat hydrogen storage system is due in production in 2028.