BMW’s no stranger to future tech. Aside from all the cool gimmicks it’s been packing into its vehicles, the automaker also has some EVs on offer. Now it’s testing a new hydrogen-powered X5.
Meet BMW’s i Next Hydrogen
BMW’s hydrogen-powered car is the I Hydrogen Next, which is based on the X5. The i Hydrogen Next trades out the X5’s standard fuel for more sustainable hydrogen fuel cells which the automaker claims give it a very solid 374 horsepower, courtesy of some eDrive gear borrowed from an upcoming electric X model.
The i Hydrogen Next has begun testing on European Roads, reports CNET, and should be available for purchase by 2022. BMW says that it’s testing the vehicle to make sure that everything is gelled and moving smoothly, specifically with regards to hydrogen tech running around in an X5 shell.
Borrowing both eDrive tech and the X5’s makeup might at first seem like corner-cutting, but really it’s a matter of feasibility. After all, developing and producing an entirely new vehicle just for hydrogen fuel cells might be a bit of a stretch for BMW, time and resource-wise. Easier to work with what you already have, right?
BMW isn’t the only automaker to announce a hydrogen-powered vehicle this week. Jaguar Land Rover recently announced that it would be testing a hydrogen fuel cell Defender soon as well. This may point to a new trend in the environmentally friendly auto market, and we’re keen to see who may jump on board next.
Source: CNET
