Overview
- BMW disclosed Thursday that its Hydrogen Flat Storage packs seven carbon‑fiber chambers into one unit with a central valve, storing at least 7 kg at 700 bar and refilling in under five minutes.
- The company estimates up to 750 km (about 385 miles) of range from the new tank paired with a Gen3 fuel cell and updated Heart of Joy control software, with no loss of cabin or cargo space.
- The flat tank shares the same footprint as BMW’s Gen6 battery pack, allowing hydrogen, electric, hybrid, diesel, and gasoline X5s to run down one assembly line starting in 2028.
- BMW says the packaging concept is the subject of patent applications, and development is funded under HyPowerDrive with €191 million from Germany’s transport ministry and €82 million from Bavaria.
- Multiple outlets report the Gen3 fuel cell is co-developed with Toyota, following pilot iX5 Hydrogen fleets in Europe and California, though broad adoption still depends on more hydrogen stations.