BMW's flat hydrogen tank system pushes iX5 Hydrogen to 750 km range

BMW Group has taken a significant step forward in the development of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. On 9 April 2026, the company revealed the BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system — a compact, flat tank configuration that extends the hydrogen SUV's range to up to 750 kilometres, without giving up a single centimetre of cabin space.

Seven tanks, one smart unit

The new system comprises seven high-pressure tanks made of carbon-fibre reinforced composite, connected in parallel and joined into a single enclosed unit controlled by one central valve. This is a fundamentally different approach to the separate cylindrical pressure vessels used in most hydrogen vehicles. The result: at least seven kilograms of hydrogen stored at 700 bar, refillable from empty in under five minutes.

The flat geometry is precisely matched to the installation space occupied by BMW's Gen6 high-voltage battery. That means the iX5 Hydrogen fits the same production line as the electric, plug-in hybrid, and conventional X5 variants — no factory modifications needed. BMW can now build five different X5 drivetrain variants off the same line, a production efficiency that helps manage costs.

Gen3 fuel cell and Heart of Joy

Alongside the new tank system, the iX5 Hydrogen gains BMW's third-generation fuel cell — jointly developed with Toyota — which is more powerful and efficient than any previous generation. The drivetrain is paired with new Heart of Joy control software for the chassis and drivetrain, as well as BMW Dynamic Performance Control. BMW says the driving experience is indistinguishable from any other X5 in the range.

Series production in 2028

The iX5 Hydrogen is currently being evaluated in a limited pilot fleet across Europe and California. Series production is planned for 2028. Development falls under the HyPowerDrive project, co-funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport (€191 million) and the state of Bavaria (€82 million) through the IPCEI Hy2Move framework.

BMW positions hydrogen explicitly as a second pillar alongside battery-electric — not as a replacement, but as a complement for drivers who prioritise long range and fast refuelling.

Sources:

- BMW Group (09-04-2026): https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/general/2026/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-tank-system.html

- BMW PressClub: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0455945EN

- Automotive World (09-04-2026): https://www.automotiveworld.com/news/bmw-reveals-flat-hydrogen-storage-for-ix5-hydrogen/