BMW plans to launch its first-ever series production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028, thereby offering customers an additional all-electric powertrain option with zero local emissions in a BMW. BMW and Toyota are pooling their innovative strength and their technological capabilities to bring a new generation of fuel cell powertrain technology to the roads. Both companies share the aspiration of advancing the hydrogen economy and have extended their collaboration to push this locally zero-emission technology to the next level.
BMW’s leading development expertise in electric drive technologies is once again demonstrated by its relentless efforts to advance hydrogen fuel cell technology and its embracing of a 'technology-openness' approach in order to provide customers with a range of mobility solutions for the future.
BMW and Toyota will jointly develop the powertrain system for passenger vehicles, with the core fuel cell technology (the individual third-generation fuel cells) creating synergies for both commercial and passenger vehicle applications. The result of this collaborative effort will be utilized in individual models from both BMW and Toyota and will expand the range of FCEV options available to customers, bringing the vision of hydrogen mobility one step closer to reality. Customers can expect the BMW and Toyota FCEV models to maintain their distinct brand identities and characteristics, providing them with individual FCEV options to choose from. Realizing synergies and amalgamating the total volume of powertrain units by collaborating on development and procurement promises to drive down the costs of fuel cell technology.
After successfully testing the iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide, BMW is now preparing for series production of vehicles with hydrogen drive systems in 2028 on the basis of the jointly developed next-generation powertrain technology. The series production models will be integrated into BMW’s existing portfolio, i.e. BMW will offer an existing model in an additional hydrogen fuel cell drive system variant. As FCEV technology is another electric vehicle technology, BMW explicitly views it as complementing the drive technology used by battery electric vehicles (BEV) and next to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and internal combustion engines (ICE).
BMW and Toyota can look back on over a decade of trusting and successful collaboration. Building on this, the companies are now extending their cooperation to accelerate innovation of next-generation fuel cell powertrain systems and pioneer this new technology.
The pathway to realizing the full potential of hydrogen mobility includes its use in commercial vehicles and the establishment of a refuelling infrastructure for all mobility applications, including hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles. Recognizing the complementary nature of these technologies, BMW and Toyota are supporting the expansion of both hydrogen refuelling and battery electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Both companies are encouraging sustainable hydrogen supply by creating demand, working closely with companies that are building low-carbon hydrogen production, distribution, and refuelling facilities.
BMW and Toyota are advocating the creation of a conducive framework by governments and investors to facilitate the early-stage penetration of hydrogen mobility and ensure its economic viability. By promoting the corresponding infrastructure, they aim to establish the FCEV market as an additional pillar alongside other powertrain technologies. Furthermore, the companies are seeking regional or local projects to further drive the development of hydrogen infrastructure through collaborative initiatives.
Hydrogen is recognized as a promising future energy carrier for global decarbonization. It acts as an effective storage medium for renewable energy sources, helping to balance supply and demand and enabling a more stable and reliable integration of renewables into the energy grid. Hydrogen is the missing piece for completing the electric mobility puzzle where battery electric drive systems are not an optimal solution.
