BMW has claimed its place as the breakout star in Africa’s race for commercial hydrogen mobility with the unveiling of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in South Africa.
by Seth Onyango
In a shot in the arm for Africa’s fledgling green hydrogen industry, the automaker chose Southern Africa for the test drive of its BMW iX5 Hydrogen. The continent has been seeking to leverage its renewable energy potential alongside key minerals like platinum in a bid to lead what is fast becoming a global industry.
Recent announcements of major investments in green hydrogen, including a hydrogen export port at Boegoebaai in South Africa and production facilities in Namibia, Mauritania and Egypt highlight the strategic importance of the region as a cornerstone for the green hydrogen production value chain.
Germany, BMW’s birthplace, is one of the biggest investors in green hydrogen development in Africa, seeking a head start after losing out on the electric vehicle race to early movers like Tesla and China’s BYD.
Other automakers, including some of the world’s biggest truckmakers, such as Daimler AG’s unit Daimler Truck, Volvo Trucks and Hyundai, are also expected to venture into the hydrogen chain, with fuel cells and an increasingly attractive opportunity.
Japanese carmaker Toyota has already stolen a march on competitors, launching a hydrogen-fueled, US$50,000 model, the Mirai, in the United States.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology converts hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction using catalysts like platinum, to power the vehicle. However, the high cost of green hydrogen is currently limiting widespread consumer adoption. Africa hopes breakthroughs in technology and manufacturing at scale will drive down those costs.
BMW’s initiative in SA not only elevates the conversation around green mobility but also poses a compelling question: What does this mean for the future of mobility in Africa and around the globe?
“Africa’s rich renewable resources, particularly in regions like the Sahara and Southern Africa, provide an unmatched advantage for green hydrogen production,” explains Alida Pavlovic, a sustainability expert. This initiative taps into this potential, positioning Africa not just as a consumer but as a leading player in the green hydrogen value chain.
“This isn’t an either/or scenario between EVs and hydrogen vehicles. It is about diversifying our green mobility options to ensure resilience and sustainability.”
BMW’s investment is expected to be a catalyst for local innovation, driving African entrepreneurs and startups to explore green technologies and sustainable business models.
In the new venture, BMW has partnered with two companies with long technology pedigrees, both “born in Africa” – Sasol South Africa Limited, and Anglo American Platinum. The venture aims to bring hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen refuelling technology to the country.
BMW will provide the FCEVs, Sasol will supply the green hydrogen, and Anglo American Platinum will provide the platinum group metals (PGMs) needed for the fuel cells and the refuelling infrastructure.
