The Pioneering BMW 520h: Birth of Hydrogen Power
BMW’s hydrogen journey began in the late 1970s with the E12 520h prototype. This modified first-generation 5 Series sedan maintained its internal combustion engine but was engineered to run exclusively on liquid hydrogen, unlike later dual-fuel models.
Developed in partnership with the German Aerospace Research Institute, the 520h featured significant practical limitations compared to its gasoline counterpart. The hydrogen tank occupied most of the trunk space and required special insulation to maintain liquid hydrogen at -250 degrees Celsius (-418 degrees Fahrenheit).
Evolution Through the Decades: Key Hydrogen BMW Milestones
1980s: Improving Practicality
- 7 Series E23 (1980): Featured a hydrogen tank providing 300 kilometers (186 miles) of range
- 7 Series E32 735i (1988): Improved design with better cargo space utilization
1990s-2000s: Performance Advancements
- 750hL E38 (2000): Hydrogen-fueled V12 producing over 200 horsepower
- Limited production of 15 vehicles
- Dual-fuel capability (hydrogen and gasoline)
- 140-liter hydrogen tank providing 250 miles (402 kilometers) of range
- Top speed exceeding 143 mph (230 km/h)
- H2R Record Car (2004): Performance-focused hydrogen prototype
- 6.0-liter V12 engine from the 760i
- Carbon fiber body construction
- 232 horsepower
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6 seconds
- Top speed of 187.62 mph (301.95 km/h)
- Set nine world records for hydrogen-powered vehicles
- Hydrogen 7 (2006): Based on the 760Li (E65)
- V12 engine producing 260 horsepower
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 9.5 seconds
- Electronically limited top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h)
- 8 kg liquid hydrogen tank providing 125 miles (201 kilometers) range
- Additional 74-liter gasoline tank adding 300 miles (483 kilometers)
- Marketed as the “world’s first hydrogen-powered luxury saloon car”
BMW’s Current Hydrogen Commitment: The iX5 and Future Plans
BMW continues its hydrogen development with the iX5, based on the current X5 SUV platform. BMW Group chairman Oliver Zipse has confirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to hydrogen technology, stating: “In this decade there will be a viable product from BMW with hydrogen.”
Zipse emphasized hydrogen’s importance as an emissions-free alternative when charging infrastructure is unavailable, positioning it as a complementary technology in BMW’s sustainability strategy.
Why BMW’s Hydrogen History Matters
BMW’s five-decade investment in hydrogen technology demonstrates the company’s commitment to exploring alternative fuel solutions. While battery electric vehicles currently dominate the zero-emission market, BMW’s continued hydrogen development represents a strategic approach to future mobility challenges, particularly in regions with limited charging infrastructure.
This dual-path strategy allows BMW to hedge against technological and infrastructure uncertainties while working toward their carbon reduction goals.
Did You Know? Mireo Plus H: Emission-Free Hydrogen Trains
