5 stories tagged fuel-cell on EV Digest.
BMW is doubling down on its flexible powertrain strategy for the upcoming fifth-generation X5, planning all-electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel-cell variants. The lineup will feature an 800-volt battery-electric model offering up to 525 miles of range alongside two new PHEVs. A hydrogen-powered iX5 FCEV is also slated to join the luxury crossover family by 2028.
General Motors is closing its Brownstown Battery Assembly plant in Michigan and repurposing another facility originally designated for hydrogen fuel cell development. The automaker is adjusting its manufacturing footprint as EV adoption growth tempers and capital expenditure priorities shift. Affected operations and resources are being reallocated across GM's existing North American production network.
A pilot program in Leipzig, Germany, has revealed significant operational shortcomings with hydrogen fuel cell garbage trucks. These specialized FCEVs have reportedly failed to consistently complete their routes, posing reliability challenges for essential municipal services. The experience highlights the critical need for robust uptime and predictable performance in commercial EV applications.
Toyota USA has announced the availability of its complete fuel cell stack and power control unit (PCU) for purchase, making crucial FCEV technology accessible to other manufacturers and developers. This move is expected to accelerate the adoption and innovation of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles across various applications.
BMW is considering establishing a battery pack assembly plant in Woodruff, South Carolina, to support its experimental iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. This potential domestic production move signals BMW's commitment to localized manufacturing, especially for its niche hydrogen fuel-cell program. Such an investment could significantly bolster the U.S. EV battery supply chain.
