BMW's sustainable steps towards relying on hydrogen fuel

StepsSustainable BMW steps towards relying on hydrogen fuel

The serious environmental and health effects that result from burning fuel in the form of harmful secondary compounds, such as: nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and formaldehyde, are no secret to anyone in this era. In addition to the above, the emission of large amounts of carbon dioxide, which is the most common human-caused greenhouse gas.

The transportation sector is considered one of the basic sectors that uses various forms of fuel on a large scale. Thus, it directly and significantly causes the emission of huge quantities of the gases we referred to, which has shed light on this sector - especially the automobile industry - in recent years. To adopt more sustainable solutions. An example of this is that electric cars have now become an integral part of new models among most car manufacturers around the world, but what about the more revolutionary solutions?

The idea of cars running on hydrogen has been raised in recent years, coinciding with the great steps the world is taking towards producing green hydrogen, as a promising source and a good alternative to fossil fuels. However, the automotive world is divided over this technology between supporters and opponents. Some companies see that there is no point in researching and investing in identifying the possibility of using hydrogen fuel, while others do not refuse to experiment, and among these companies are: the German auto giantBMW.

A step towards transportation sustainability

The Bavarian company announced the launch of an experimental fleet of cars. These cars run on hydrogen under the name “iX5 Hydrogen,” a model that is assembled in a factory in Munich. Each car of this model contains two fuel tanks that can be filled with hydrogen within five minutes.

The car will use fuel cells developed by Toyota, and this new car - which represents a milestone in the use of hydrogen energy - can reach a maximum speed of 180 km per hour, while its range can reach approximately 500 km, before it needs to refuel again.

The new model will enter service on an experimental basis starting this year, but in a small way, as the assembly line will send 100 cars abroad; For the purposes of experiment and demonstration.

A path to the future

It seems that the star of hydrogen continues to rise in the world of cars, and BMW - as one of the largest global car companies - is looking to innovate and learn about the potential of hydrogen, which is the same path taken by giant companies, such as: Nissan, Hyundai, and Toyota.

The company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Oliver Zipes, commented, saying: “Hydrogen is a versatile energy source, and it can play a major role in the transition to clean energy alternatives. Thus contributing to climate protection.”

He added: “We must use our capabilities - as one of the largest car manufacturers in the world - to investigate the feasibility of the promising solutions offered by hydrogen, as this is a missing link when it comes to sustainable, emissions-free mobility. But I stress here that hydrogen will not be the only element in the carbon-neutral mobility policy, but rather it must be integrated with other technologies. In order to reach the best product.”