Intelligent Energy fuel cells power BMW’s next-generation logistics fleet
Industry newsThe German plant has been at the forefront of BMW’s pioneering programme in using hydrogen across its operations from paint shop to manufacturing automation. The company relies upon an extensive AGV fleet in Leipzig to support the movement of materials and components across the factory.
Developed in collaboration with Austrian autonomous vehicle specialist DS Automotion, the new fleet are the first AGVs designed from the ground up focusing on the integration of Intelligent Energy’s proprietary IE-POWER™ fuel cell system.
The deployment follows a successful three-year programme in which battery-powered AGVs retrofitted with Intelligent Energy fuel cells showed greater reliability, efficiency and delivered on the factory’s environmental targets.
Powered by green hydrogen, BMW’s AGVs outperformed their battery-powered predecessors with extended operating times and their ability to refuel in seconds. This rapid refuelling capability eliminated prolonged breaks when compared to battery charging, reducing downtime and enhancing operational agility. As a result, BMW was able to streamline its fleet, relying on fewer AGVs without compromising productivity. Crucially, this innovation maintained zero-emission performance, reinforcing BMW’s commitment to sustainability while optimising efficiency across its logistics operations
Over 50% of the operational AGVs are powered by IE’s fuel cells, with plans to convert the whole fleet over time.
Intelligent Energy’s UK-developed low power fuel cells feature a patented air-cooling system that delivers class-leading energy density in a compact, lightweight package. Its IE-POWER fuel cells can also be found in forklifts, access platforms and other warehousing and material handling