BMW is weighing to begin serial manufacturing of hydrogen fashions within the second half of this decade, however any gross sales push is smart solely as soon as satisfactory infrastructure turns into out there, mentioned Frank Weber, the automaker’s know-how chief.
Just 750 hydrogen refueling stations had been in operation globally final 12 months, in accordance with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researcher.
Getting the hydrogen-powered iX5 in entrance of the general public is a method of highlighting the know-how’s sturdy factors, BMW mentioned.
Filling up the iX5 with hydrogen takes solely 4 minutes, in contrast with about half-hour for charging probably the most superior battery powered autos.
BMW expects the adoption of hydrogen long-haul vans to hurry up installations of refueling stations, in a boon additionally to passenger vehicles. The firm hopes that the price of gasoline cell parts comes down as soon as hydrogen rigs are produced at scale.
“We are confident that at the end of the decade, prices for an electric vehicle with a larger battery and fuel cell cars will be on par,” Weber mentioned.
Still, BMW’s small check fleet suggests the German firm shouldn’t be anticipating larger-scale adoption anytime quickly. It’s additionally maintaining the autos on a decent leash: other than company-organized check drives, the vehicles won’t be handed out to drivers for on a regular basis use.
“Fuel cell cars are always going to be more expensive than battery powered ones,” mentioned BNEF analyst Martin Tengler.
“Maybe BMW is targeting a niche segment, there might some money to be made. But the big picture is that it’s best to leave hydrogen cars where they have always been — just around the corner.”
Source: europe.autonews.com