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News

BMW iX5 Hydrogen: All You Need to Know

The future of mobility is rapidly approaching, promising fast refueling, prioritized performance, and zero emissions. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are gaining popularity, and BMW is one of the automakers at the forefront of this movement.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is scheduled to be one of three hydrogen-powered vehicles released by BMW dealerships in 2024. This sustainable SUV concept aims to revolutionize electric mobility while offering exceptional performance. As companies, cities, and countries strive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the coming decades, a variety of renewable energy sources are required. Hydrogen plays a crucial role in this future.

About 100 BMW iX5 Hydrogen test models have been produced and rolled out in recent months to showcase the brand’s vision for the future. The expected features of the iX5 suggest that hydrogen-powered vehicles may offer advantages that even current electric vehicles, including BMW’s EV lineup, cannot provide.

The information in this article is based on sources like BMW, Car and Driver, Global Market Insights, SAE, and the International Energy Agency.

Related: Why A Hydrogen Fuel Cell Pickup Truck Is The Need Of The Hour

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen Refuels In Just Four Minutes

BMW iX5 Hydrogen in white
BMW

One notable advantage of hydrogen vehicles is their quick refueling time. Hydrogen refueling typically takes only three to five minutes, and the BMW iX5 Hydrogen promises a four-minute refueling time—similar to or even faster than refueling a gas-powered car at a gas pump.

However, the limited availability of hydrogen refueling stations remains a major challenge. Unlike gas stations or electric charging stations, hydrogen fueling stations are still scarce.

Over 400 Horses At Your Disposal

In addition to its fast refueling time, the iX5 Hydrogen boasts impressive performance. It combines fifth-generation fuel cell technology with an electric motor, providing 401 horsepower and 524 pound-feet of torque.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just six seconds and has a top speed of 115 mph. The vehicle is equipped with a 400-volt battery located above its hydrogen-powered motor. In terms of range, it offers approximately 313 miles, which is comparable to top-ranked electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and the Rivian R1T.

BMW iX5 Hydrogen Technical Specifications

Layout

Dual hydrogen fuel cells with a single electric motor

Horsepower

401 horsepower

Torque

524 pound-feet

Range

313 miles

0-60 MPH

6.0 seconds

Top Speed

115 MPH

Price

TBA

(Specs sourced from BMW and Car and Driver)

Hydrogen’s availability and infrastructure play a significant role in realizing a carbon-neutral future. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen’s quick refueling, impressive range, and smooth driving experience make it a compelling alternative for fans of internal combustion engines.

Related: Why Now Is The Time To Invest In A Hydrogen Car

BMW has committed to achieving carbon-neutral status for its brand by 2050 at the latest. As deadlines for all-electric and zero-emissions fleets approach, various technological innovations and fuel sources are necessary to achieve these environmentally conscious goals.

BMW Is Committed To Hydrogen Tech

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is part of the brand’s collaboration with the United Nations’ “Race To Zero” initiative, which includes responsible sourcing of materials. Hydrogen vehicles require fewer raw materials in production and engineering compared to electric vehicles.

While the percentage of electric vehicles on the road has increased significantly in recent years, they still account for only 14% of total vehicles as of 2022, according to the International Energy Agency. This percentage is expected to increase by 4% by the end of 2023. Therefore, there is still a large market share dominated by high-emission gas-powered vehicles. Hydrogen technology has the potential to fill this gap.

As investors recognize the potential, the availability of hydrogen technology is expected to grow significantly. Global Market Insights projects that the current market value of the hydrogen vehicle sector, currently at $2.8 billion, will reach $33.2 billion by 2032.

Related: Why Hydrogen Cars Have A Bright Future

The iX5 Takes Inspiration From BMW’s EV and Gas-Powered Lineup

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen draws inspiration from the electric iX while also comparing favorably to both BMW’s electric and gas-powered vehicle lineup. For instance, the iX5 is expected to outperform some of BMW’s all-electric vehicles in terms of specifications. The BMW i4 has a range of 307 miles, starting at 227 miles, and the i5 offers a range of only 295 miles.

Moreover, the iX5 Hydrogen shares similarities with the all-electric BMW iX SUV. While offering similar torque, the iX has more power with 516 horsepower and quicker acceleration of two seconds. However, the iX5 has a slightly better range at 311 miles and a top speed of 124 mph. Additionally, the iX5 Hydrogen has the advantage of significantly shorter charging time compared to the iX, which requires 11 hours to charge using a level two charger.

Not Mighty Fast, But the iX5 Is No Slouch Either

The iX5 Hydrogen is also competitive with gas-powered BMW models. For example, the BMW X1 has a similar 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds, but it has a combined city and highway fuel economy of 23 MPG. The estimated horsepower of the 2024 X1 is lower than that of the iX5 at about 312 horsepower.

BMW strikes a balance with the iX5 by leveraging its existing models. Rather than creating a completely new product, BMW builds on what it does best, resulting in the iX5 Hydrogen outperforming both electric and gas models. This hydrogen-powered vehicle could convince traditionalists of internal combustion engines to embrace eco-friendly alternatives.

NewsNew

SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE TALK & RIDE

We took the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE for a quick ride in the hills of inland Southern California, turned on the GoPro and shared our thoughts. For us, the biggest news is that the 800 shows a little more commitment to off-road riding than anything previously in Suzuki’s adventure line. The Showa suspension has more travel and more adjustability, it has more ground clearance and the electronic features show that Suzuki is paying attention.

Technology

This Secret Google Feature Will Search The Dark Web For Your Email Address: Here’s How To Use It

Before we delve into the details, please note that while you can access Dark Web Reports with free Google accounts, continuous monitoring requires a paid account. The same goes for searching for more than just your email address. However, any tier of a paid Google One account can fulfill this requirement. In fact, even the introductory $2.99 per month for 200GB tier guarantees you the full version of the Dark Web Scan. This is applicable to those who are paying for additional Google Drive space.

To run a Dark Web Report on a desktop browser, follow these steps:

  1. Go to One.Google.com.
  2. Click on “Try now” under Dark web report.
  3. Click “Run scan”.

That’s all there is to it. If you have a paid account, you will have the option to choose which other information from your account you want to search for. You can also choose to fill in any missing information (such as your Social Security Number) that you want to be included in the search. However, this step is not mandatory.

For mobile users (currently available on Android and soon on iOS), here are the steps to follow:

  1. Open the Google App.
  2. Tap on the account menu located in the top right corner.
  3. Select “Dark Web Report” from the resulting menu.

Keep in mind that the amount of information you feel comfortable sharing with Google may vary. However, even if you provide Google with just the basic information you have already given in the past, it is still highly recommended to use this feature.

Smartphones

This Android Feature Could Save Your Life In An Emergency

A quick caveat before we get into how to set this up: There is no secret code that grants paramedics and emergency room staff access to whatever medical information you store on your phone using this feature. Anyone who knows about this feature can find that information if they have access to your phone. Basically, you need to consider whatever you enter just as visible as it would be if you were wearing it on a bracelet, or had a card with the information in your wallet. You need to take it as seriously as the other Android privacy settings.

Also: If you have Android 12 or lower, then you need to grab the Personal Safety app from the Google Play Store before you can go forward. With that out of the way, here’s how you add your emergency medical information:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down to Safety & Emergency and tap that option.
  3. Depending on what kind of Android phone you have, there will be an option named Medical Info or Open Personal Safety or words to that effect. Tap that option.
  4. Fill out whichever fields you want emergency personnel to be able to find out about from checking your phone.
  5. Tap Save.

That’s it. For someone to access that emergency medical info, it’s even simpler:

  1. Tap the power button to wake the phone.
  2. Swipe up on the lock screen.
  3. Tap Emergency > View Emergency Info.

If you’re comfortable with using this option and have a medical condition that your doctors would need to know about in an emergency, then it’s well worth exploring.

News

Under the skin: How Toyota will make ‘like-for-like’ ICEs and EVs

Many people on social media are not happy with the current state of alternatives to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. This could be because the 2030 ban on ICEs will force people to switch to new cars for which comparable alternatives don’t currently exist. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be comparable alternatives in the future.

Toyota is working on next-generation battery technology that will be available in three years. This new tech will offer a range of up to 620 miles, reduce cost by 20%, and have a charging time of 20 minutes or less.

For the past couple of decades, engineering consultants, research bodies, and car manufacturers’ R&D departments have been working on technology roadmaps for more efficient engine technologies. The goal has always been to make cars more environmentally friendly, and the message has consistently been that there is no single solution.

Back then, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were seen as only suitable for city driving, and no one predicted how quickly they would improve. Now, drivers expect BEVs to be a like-for-like replacement for ICE cars without any compromises in terms of refuelling time, range, or charging infrastructure.

However, technology has been advancing faster than expected, and it’s possible that in the next 15 years, today’s EVs will be considered outdated. Toyota’s work on battery technology is a prime example of how quickly development is progressing. Despite the initial financial losses of the Prius, Toyota continued to invest and gain valuable knowledge in battery development.

Earlier this year, Toyota announced plans to introduce a new next-generation lithium battery by 2026. This battery will power the next-generation BEVs, which will be built from the ground up with a modular structure divided into three sections: front, centre, and rear. The battery will be housed in the centre section, allowing for easy upgrades as battery technology progresses.

Toyota’s next-generation BEVs will come in two versions. The performance version will have a range of 620 miles and charge in under 30 minutes. The popularisation version will offer a 20% increase in range compared to existing batteries, charge in less than 30 minutes, and cost 40% less than current technology.

Motorsport

2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe: A Powerful and Practical Sports Car

When AMG announced the development of the SL and GT Coupe, some people criticized Mercedes for potentially losing the sharpness of the GT Coupe by giving it a fixed metal roof like the SL. However, the coupe has now been officially revealed, and we will have to wait for reviews and owner feedback to see if it lives up to expectations.

Introducing the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe, a high-performance sports car with a focus on practicality. It now offers 2+2 seating and features fully variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive. Initially, it will only be available in “63” and “55” versions, both equipped with powerful V8 engines. It remains uncertain whether the SL 43’s four-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower will be offered later in the car’s life cycle.


Motorsport

McLaren Solus GT Wins 2023 Goodwood Shootout With Impressive Time

The McLaren Solus GT has exceeded expectations by dominating its class at the Festival Of Speed hill climb. With a time of 45.34 seconds, it won the 2023 shootout and achieved the third-fastest time ever recorded for a production car on the course. Only the McMurtry Speirling (39.08) and Nio EP9 (44.32) have recorded faster times.

The McLaren Solus GT, powered by a V10 engine, took multiple practice runs before the timed run and impressed enthusiasts with its performance. Throughout the runs, it competed against the Subaru GL Family Huckster driven by Travis Pastrana, the Rimac Nevera, and several hand-picked race cars. The Solus GT was a full second faster than the next-best Subaru.

These are the top five results:

Car Driver Time
McLaren Solus GT Marvin Kirchhofer 45.34 Seconds
Subaru GL Family Huckster Travis Pastrana 46.37 Seconds
McLaren-Cosworth M26 Michael Lyons 46.89 Seconds
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Adam Smalley 47.40 Seconds
Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 Jake Hill 48.18 Seconds

The McLaren Solus GT is equipped with a 5.2-liter V10 engine that delivers an impressive 829 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds and has an estimated top speed of 200 mph.

Weighing only 2,205 pounds, the Solus GT generates up to 2,646 pounds of downforce. Its aerodynamic design was inspired by the 2017 Vision Gran Turismo concept for the Gran Turismo racing game.

Only 25 customers will have the opportunity to own a McLaren Solus GT, which is specifically designed for track use. Each owner will receive a driver-development coaching program, an FIA-homologated racing suit, a special helmet, and a bespoke HANS device.

The McLaren Solus GT is priced at £2.5 million ($4 million in US dollars).