BMW plans limited series hydrogen fuel cell SUV for 2022

German carmaker BMW plans to unveil a limited series hydrogen fuel cell model SUV in 2022 as the company continues to research zero-emission alternatives to battery-electric cars.

According to the company's top executive Oliver Zipse, who spoke at the carmaker’s annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday, BMW was plotting a small production run of a hydrogen fuel-cell powered x5 SUV for 2022.

BMW is one of a small number of carmakers that currently sees possibilities for the mass adoption of hydrogen fuel cells, which emit only water, instead of electric battery-powered cars.

Despite offering a solution to the problem of carbon emissions and providing greater range than battery-electric cars, there was as of yet still very little fuelling infrastructure to support such vehicles.

Last December, Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor unveiled its revamped Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car, since when BMW had forged an alliance with Toyota centred on developing fuel cells.