On April 9, the BMW Group officially released the innovative BMW hydrogen flat storage system. This newly developed hydrogen storage technology will be the first to be applied to the new generation of BMW X5 models. The BMW iX5 hydrogen fuel cell vehicle equipped with this hydrogen storage solution is expected to achieve a cruising range of 750 kilometers. The relevant mass-produced models are scheduled to be officially launched on the market in 2028.
According to reports, the core highlight of the BMW hydrogen energy flat storage system released this time is the efficient use of the vehicle’s internal space. This system is compatible with BMW's sixth-generation high-voltage power battery system, and can complete the in-depth integration of the hydrogen drive system without sacrificing in-car seating and storage space. At the same time, this technology also allows greater flexibility in vehicle production. In the future, models equipped with hydrogen fuel cell systems can be manufactured on the same production line as other drive models.
Dr. Post, director of research and development at the BMW Group, said that this new hydrogen storage technology enables the integration of hydrogen drive systems with high space utilization on the new generation of BMW X5 models. Users can freely choose the driving mode of the vehicle according to their own needs.
In terms of core structure and performance, the new BMW hydrogen energy flat storage system adopts a seven-tank parallel design. The main body is composed of seven high-pressure carbon fiber composite hydrogen storage tanks. All hydrogen storage tanks are integrated in a solid metal frame in a parallel manner. Different from the traditional design of multiple independent pressure vessels, this system forms a closed whole through seven interconnected cavities, which are uniformly controlled by a central main valve; the 700bar high-pressure hydrogen storage tank can also obtain additional mechanical protection with the help of the body structure, further improving the overall safety during use. Currently, the BMW Group has applied for a number of patents for this innovative technology.
This hydrogen storage system can store at least 7kg of hydrogen and can complete the entire hydrogenation operation in just 5 minutes, significantly improving the vehicle's long-range capability.