The first hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are being tested in South Africa.

The project is a collaboration between Anglo American, Sasol and BMW.

The small fleet of BMWiX5 Hydrogen cars are also being trialled elsewhere in the world to gain insights into the practical use of the technology and customer experience, reports Africa Business Technologies.

The three companies signed a co-operation agreement in October 2023 to promote the green hydrogen economy by demonstrating real-world applications of the technology.

The FCEV uses hydrogen dispensed by Sasol, while platinum group metals from Anglo American are integral to the manufacture of the vehicles.

‘Since hydrogen cars combine the advantages of electric driving with the possibility to refuel quickly, they would be ideal for customers who travel a lot or who do not have electric charging at home or at work,’ says Juergen Guldner, BMW general programme manager for hydrogen.

The iX5 Hydrogen refuels in three to four minutes, providing a 500 km range on its 6 kg tank.

27 February 2024
Image: BMW