BMW’s Plant Steyr is getting ready for collection manufacturing of gas cell programs, with prototypes of a third-generation hydrogen gas cell (HFC) system now in testing. Full-scale manufacturing is deliberate for 2028.
Parts for the third-generation HFC will likely be manufactured at BMW Group services in Steyr, Landshut, and Munich. The gas cells themselves are equipped by Toyota, extending a long-standing collaboration between the 2 corporations. Whereas Toyota designed the first-generation system fully, the second generation was a joint effort. The brand new third-generation system is developed fully by BMW, aside from the gas cells themselves.
The 2 corporations will likely be working collectively on industrial and passenger car gas cell propulsion models. This enables brand-specific automobiles to be designed for the HFC system whereas lowering prices in improvement and procurement for the system.
This third-generation hydrogen gas cell system is 25% smaller than its predecessor and has been designed to slot in the area usually occupied by a combustion engine. This enables simple integration into current or new-generation architectures with out many modifications to accommodate the HFC and surrounding programs. The third-gen system additionally options an improved working technique and newly developed drive know-how to extend effectivity.
Testing of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) ranges and output are being undertaken to match in opposition to different propulsion choices. Different output comparisons will likely be accomplished earlier than manufacturing as nicely.
BMW Group
The prototypes being produced in Munich use a compact structure that features the hydrogen and air supply programs, cooling system, electrical supply elements, and water extraction from the hydrogen-oxygen outcome as one full set. The prototypes are getting used as closing proof of idea and security and can inform tooling and manufacturing necessities at Steyr forward of collection manufacturing.
In the meantime, BMW’s Landshut facility, which at the moment builds the iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, will proceed manufacturing housings and strain plates for the subsequent era of hydrogen gas cell automobiles.
Supply: BMW Group
