BMW REAPPROACHES HYDROGEN

Top engineers in Munich talk about the vital role of H2 fuel cells in the climate crusade as iX5 pilot-fleet production begins.

Automakers have raised and dashed hopes for using hydrogen to power cars and trucks, including General Motors' notorious 2007 promise that it would sell 1 million fuel-cell vehicles annually (actual number: zero). With EVs now seizing the lead in showrooms and public infrastructure, hydrogen might still seem dubious. But the complexities of global electrification have many OEMs and policymakers willing to give our lightest atomic element another chance.

BMW is convinced that without hydrogen supplementing the energy mix - including for large trucks that are poor fits for battery propulsion - the transportation sector and nations have little chance of keeping global temperatures in check. BMW is the first German automaker to sign onto the United Nations' “Race to Zero” pledge, as the company aims to reach full carbon neutrality by 2050.