BMW and Toyota Join Forces to Develop Hydrogen-Powered Cars, Aiming for2028 Production
Munich, Germany – BMW announced on Thursdaythat it will collaborate with Toyota Motor Corporation to develop a new generation of fuel cell powertrains, with plans to launch production in 2028. TheGerman automaker aims to start selling hydrogen-powered vehicles in 2028 as an alternative to electric vehicles.
Despite BMW’s long-standing pursuitof hydrogen technology, high costs and the scarcity of hydrogen refueling infrastructure have hindered its widespread adoption. Currently, only a handful of hydrogen-powered models are available on the market, such as the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo. According toBloombergNEF, global sales of hydrogen-powered cars totaled only 9,000 last year.
Advocates of fuel cell technology highlight its advantage of extended driving range, particularly in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Fuel cell vehiclescan serve as a viable transition option for electric vehicles. The technology generates electricity through the combustion of hydrogen, producing only water as emissions.
BMW and Toyota plan to jointly manufacture the hydrogen powertrain for use in both companies’ vehicle models. They anticipate that collaborative development and parts procurement will help reduce costs, making the technologymore competitive. BMW declined to comment on the pricing of its future hydrogen-powered vehicles.
It’s worth noting that BMW has been operating a small fleet of hydrogen-powered iX5 SUVs since 2023 to gather real-world driving data. CEO Oliver Zipse has previously indicated that hydrogen powercould be a significant option for BMW’s Neue Klasse electric vehicle series, set to launch next year.
Michael Rass, head of BMW’s hydrogen-powered car project, expressed his strong belief in the future of hydrogen during a phone interview on Thursday. We are convinced that hydrogen will play a morecritical role in the future energy structure, he stated.
The collaboration between BMW and Toyota signifies a significant step towards mainstreaming hydrogen-powered vehicles. The partnership aims to overcome the challenges of cost and infrastructure, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient transportation future.
While the 2028 productiontimeline may seem distant, the commitment from two leading automotive giants signals a growing confidence in the potential of hydrogen technology. This collaboration could potentially accelerate the development and adoption of fuel cell vehicles, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable automotive landscape.
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