From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Vehicle manufacturer BMW South Africa has brought prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles to South Africa to showcase the future mobility technology to local stakeholders, test its domestic applicability and sample consumer interest.

The BMW iX5 cars brought to South Africa illustrate a powertrain shift from internal combustion engine vehicles, to those powered by more eco-friendly alternatives, such as hydrogen fuel cells, with the only emissions being that of water vapour.

BMW is also testing the market for a possible shift from a focus on electric vehicles, to that of hydrogen fuel cells, which offer decreased refuelling times and improved range – a key element to mobility in South Africa.

BMW hydrogen programme director Deena Govender tells us about what BMW’s hydrogen ambitions mean for the local market.

BMW hydrogen programme director Deena Govender...

Sashnee Moodley:

While BMW develops its strategy to enter serial production of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, it is also developing a strategy to introduce a range of such models to cater for specific client requirements.

BMW Group programme manager hydrogen technologies Dr Juergen Guldner...

Sashnee Moodley:

With hydrogen fuel cell vehicles requiring a completely new fuel for domestic motorists, the production and dispensing of hydrogen plays an integral role, which chemicals and petroleum company Sasol and industrial gas manufacturer Air Products are keenly eyeing.

Air Products is currently supplying the mobile infrastructure to refuel hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and power generation assets, by means of tube trailers and  refuelling equipment.

Sasol details its domestic manufacturing perspective.

Sasol principal market development specialist green hydrogen Dries Swanepoel...

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.