(AEV) BMW BACKS HYDROGEN

Hydrogen’s very hot right now in Germany. Major automakers got together and pressured the government into making sure they will have enough “green” hydrogen within their borders, be it produced or imported.

The main issue with hydrogen is that it requires massive amounts of power to make it. It can’t be done without electricity and splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen isn’t something that can be done easily and with no carbon footprint when we’re looking at a whole industry. That’s why scientists were pressured into finding a solution. Their bet – “green hydrogen.” Essentially, it’s the same process, but it’s done with renewable electricity.

Mercedes-Benz, for example, spearheaded this whole effort lately. They closed deals in 2021 with major gas suppliers like Shell or BP (British Petroleum) and managed to convince German authorities that hydrogen is another route that might help with the transition to zero-emission cars, trucks, and semis. And the automaker is close to making this happen by establishing a dedicated path in Germany for semi-trailers that carry freight using only hydrogen as fuel.

Considering the Stuttgart-based manufacturer entered this field 20 years ago, we should trust that the Germans have the solution. All they need is some serious support from other parties, including customers.

But there’s a problem. Put briefly, creating the fuel cell technology is still expensive. Hydrogen must be properly stored in a pressurized tank, and it must go through a catalyst where it starts the production of electricity needed to create the power that’s used to move a vehicle. However, nothing’s impossible. Tesla proved it.

But BMW couldn’t just sit this one out. They started their tests and investments. The company may not be manufacturing any semis or vans, but it has a generous portfolio of premium vehicles. These cars, crossovers, SUVs, and other high-performance or incredibly luxurious models (like what Rolls-Royce is making) can’t be all-electric. After all, BMW is the company that introduced “The power of choice” concept.

Currently, customers from various markets can choose whatever type of powertrain they want for their preferred vehicle. The X3, for example, is available as a gas- or diesel-powered crossover, plug-in hybrid, fully electric, or in its most dynamic form – the X3 M Competition. You can even decide if all-wheel drive is something you need to pay for. That’s how far they went with giving customers options.

After the transition from fossil fuels is completed, BMW’s customers will still want to buy things they like. Generally, well-off customers like to choose and not be cornered into something. The company knew it had to do something about this.

Back in March, we were telling you that BMW finished winter testing the iX5 Hydrogen. The zero-emission vehicle with a body carried over from the good-looking X5 M was stripped down of any camouflage and sent to battle cold and snow. The automaker promised that it will manufacture a limited series to prove FCEVs are worth more than a shot after testing revealed good data.

BMW wants big players from the oil industry, governments, investors, and other auto companies to understand that they too should be a part of this guilt-free alternative to EVs that still use mined rare earths. autoevolution - link - Florin Amariei - link - more like this (H2 cars) - link - more like this (Germany) - link - more like this (BMW) - link