On September 27, at the 2024 World New Energy Vehicle Conference, BMW’s self-developed “Fuel Cell Passenger Vehicle Modular Hydrogen Storage System Technology” won the “Global New Energy Vehicle Cutting-Edge Technology” award. Last year and the year before, BMW also won innovation awards at the conference. It is the only foreign company to win awards for three consecutive years. BMW Group executive Gao Le spoke at the conference. He shared insights on low-carbon transformation and global cooperation. He expressed optimism about the development of China’s new energy vehicle market. BMW follows a multi-technology approach. It promotes hydrogen technology development while advancing electrification.
Gao Le stated, “The auto industry’s low-carbon transition takes time. BMW Group believes that ‘technology openness’ is the only sustainable path to future carbon neutrality. This approach meets diverse consumer needs across global markets. We will steadily advance personal mobility towards a green future.”
At this conference, BMW’s self-developed “Fuel Cell Passenger Vehicle Modular Hydrogen Storage System Technology” won the “Global New Energy Vehicle Frontier Technology” award. This marks BMW’s first win of this type at the World New Energy Vehicle Conference. The hydrogen storage system features an advanced and safe design. Its highly integrated modular design increases hydrogen storage capacity while enhancing the overall body rigidity. This provides technical support for mass production of fuel cells on pure electric platforms. Compared to the previous generation, this storage system significantly increases hydrogen storage capacity, range, and space in the cabin and trunk. In the past two World New Energy Vehicle Conferences, BMW’s self-developed new energy drive technology won the “Global New Energy Vehicle Innovation Technology” award for two consecutive years. This includes the 2022 “High-Performance Excitation Synchronous Motor System” and the 2023 “M High-Performance Hybrid Drive System.” These honors highlight industry recognition of BMW’s technological innovation and affirm BMW’s diversified strategy in the new energy vehicle sector.
The BMW high-performance excited synchronous motor system is the high-performance version of the fifth-generation BMW eDrive system. It features a highly integrated and modular design, a six-phase motor controller, excitation motor technology, and rare-earth-free applications. These innovations enable stable and efficient high-power output. This system sets a new standard in high-performance electric drive technology. It is now in mass production in the innovative BMW iX M60 and BMW i7 M70.
BMW M’s high-performance hybrid drive system stands as the most powerful hybrid system in BMW’s history. It pairs the exclusive BMW M 4.4L V8 twin-turbo engine with a high-performance synchronous motor. This system features an innovative pre-transmission system and a highly integrated design. It delivers exhilarating performance and driving pleasure. The system has already entered mass production in the new BMW M5 and the innovative BMW XM Label Red. In addition to electric drive technology, BMW has over 20 years of experience in hydrogen fuel cell technology. BMW sees hydrogen as a key element for zero-emission future mobility. The company plans to launch its first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell premium passenger car in 2028. Since 2023, the BMW iX5 hydrogen fuel cell pilot fleet has completed road tests in major cities worldwide. It has undergone mass production-level testing, including comprehensive simulations, crash tests, lab testing of individual components, and closed-course vehicle testing. The fuel cell drive system performs excellently, even in extreme conditions like the Arctic Circle’s frigid temperatures and 45°C desert heat. China actively promotes the hydrogen economy and innovative technology. It gradually develops fuel cell vehicle demonstrations. BMW Group’s research on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles aligns with the national innovation strategy. Additionally, BMW explores green hydrogen applications. Shenyang’s first hydrogen refueling station began operations this year. Brilliance BMW became the station’s first user. Five green hydrogen fuel trucks transport goods between BMW’s factories in Shenyang daily. BMW believes that the development of hydrogen technology and the industry’s green transformation depend on open innovation, collaboration, and strong partnerships. In the Chinese market, BMW collaborates with over 450 suppliers and more than 600 dealer partners. It actively advances green technology innovation and application in the automotive industry. In battery technology, BMW forms strategic partnerships with leading companies like CATL and Eve Energy for mutual benefit. “The automotive industry is a vital economic pillar with a long supply chain and far-reaching impact,” Gao Le stated. “In the industry’s green transformation, companies should pursue long-term, sustainable development.” BMW believes cooperation fosters prosperity and growth. Collaborative efforts should address current and future challenges.