BMW to launch production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2028

[Mani59]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

+++ BMW and Toyota jointly developing next generation of fuel cell technology +++ BMW to launch first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle in 2028 +++ Both companies are promoting hydrogen infrastructure development +++



Munich. 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. The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation 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.

The BMW Group’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.

“This is a milestone in automotive history: the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle to be offered by a global premium manufacturer. Powered by hydrogen and driven by the spirit of our cooperation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “And it will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles.”

Koji Sato, President and Member of the Board of Management (Representative Director) Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “We are pleased that the collaboration between BMW and Toyota has entered a new stage. In our long history of partnership, we have confirmed that BMW and Toyota share the same passion for cars and belief in ‘technology openness’ and a ‘multi-pathway’ approach to carbon neutrality. Based on these shared values, we will deepen our collaboration in efforts such as the joint development of next-generation fuel cell systems and the expansion of infrastructure, aiming for the realization of a hydrogen society. We will accelerate our efforts together with BMW and partners across various industries to realize a future where hydrogen energy supports society."

Shared powertrain technology utilized across individual models to offer attractive FCEV options.

The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation 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.

BMW will launch its first hydrogen-powered production model in 2028.

After successfully testing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide, the BMW Group 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, the BMW Group 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).

A new level of partnership.

The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation 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.

Shared vision of advancing the hydrogen economy.

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, the BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation 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.

The BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation 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.

Benefits of hydrogen-powered technology.

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.

[Chihuahua]

Cool, I can get behind this. Wonder if we'll get to a point where you can retrofit older cars with newer tech like this. I seem to remember Honda working on something along those lines but I could be wrong.

[Fantastic 5]

We can barely get enough infrastructure for EV’s, and now they want to introduce hydrogen. It’s not going to take. Also, people are liking not having to fill up and recharge at home. Hydrogen brings us back to the old paradigm of having to get fuel outside from a third party.

[playswcars]

I love the Toyota x BMW crossover

[hufington]

This is more sustainable than current EV technologies as hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.

[F32Fleet]

Hey guys. This is H2 fuel cell technology. It's NOT an ICE which burns H2

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by hufington

This is more sustainable than current EV technologies as hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.

Not really.

[FrozenGT]

Going to get hydrogen is not old-school hydrogen is the most natural way of producing energy because it’s water vapor.

The issue here is that we cannot sustain $25,000 battery pack replacements and the amount of weight and also the amount of drilling and mining that has to be done to build battery packs.

If you think that you’re going to not have to replace your battery pack think again. Another issue here is that battery packs are going to cause a lot of waste in the environment so we need a better solution.

[JMD]

Why?????????????

[ANDREW THOMAS]

This will be really nice I can’t wait for it

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by JMD

Why?????????????

Why not? Objectively and scientificly, this should have been the way to give 2 decades ago. But Elon and his cult latched on to electric, with NO consideration for the environment (it was purely a business and opportunity decision), and shunned hydrogen so he would have no alt energy competition.

Are the logistical hurdles with hydrogen, absolutely, as there continue to be with electric. Will BMW and Toyota succeed, probably not. But should they be commended for trying and actually taking steps that are environmentally friendly, 100%!

[ledphut]

I’m all for it.

Current battery tech (essentially lining up hundreds of AA lithium batteries in a dense pattern) is heavy, inefficient, and frankly quite stupid.

That’s without even mentioning how much energy is needed to extract these rare earth minerals from the ground…

Hydrogen powered vehicles have been around for quite some time. The city of Chicago has had a fleet of hydrogen Ford Explorers for well over a decade.

I love that saavy manufacturers aren’t just blindly going along with the climate cult and their demented push for full electric vehicles, which by any realistic measure is a farce at best, at worst a huge scam.

[moriluvatar]

I’m very much ok with hydrogen if some smart cookie can figure out efficient distribution and fitting of petrol stations.

[cfm56d7b]

This announcement makes sense for 2 reasons. Developing new powertrains is expensive. Joint R&D efforts will reduce costs. And BMW and Toyota already have experience working together - sharing B58 engine.

Humble wish: leave original Toyota Mirai external design for museums.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by FrozenGT

Going to get hydrogen is not old-school hydrogen is the most natural way of producing energy because it’s water vapor.

The issue here is that we cannot sustain $25,000 battery pack replacements and the amount of weight and also the amount of drilling and mining that has to be done to build battery packs.

If you think that you’re going to not have to replace your battery pack think again. Another issue here is that battery packs are going to cause a lot of waste in the environment so we need a better solution.

Stop making shit up.

[TheBingoBalls]

If it’s another alternative on top of ICE and EV, I’m fine with that. Clearly BMW’s strategy of having alternative power sources is doing a lot better than Audi and Mercedes so having an hydrogen vehicle as another car is fine if it allows them to navigate alternative energy while still selling their core models.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by JMD

Why?????????????

Jobs.

[chicagofan00]

Interesting. It was just a bit ago that Toyota was getting sued for the current lack of infrastructure for the hydrogen powered cars they have produced and sold. 🤷🏻‍♂️

https://www.latimes.com/environment/...-fuel-cell-car

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

Interesting. It was just a bit ago that Toyota was getting sued for the current lack of infrastructure for the hydrogen powered cars they have produced and sold. 🤷🏻‍♂️

https://www.latimes.com/environment/...-fuel-cell-car

Shocker.

[B///MWGuy]

I dont know if this has anything to do with but BMW's reliability skyrocketed (coming from owning past four inline 6 engine BMWs since 2006) ever since the Toyota and BMW collab on Z4 in late 2010s.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by hufington

This is more sustainable than current EV technologies as hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.

Fool-Cell !?

Ask California how it went… 🙃

Or for that matter go ask Toyota… And the unfortunate owners that Bought them.

[Mr. Jonathan]

I’m all about this development as long as they don’t slap an M badge on it. But we all know it’s going to happen.

I didn’t see anything regarding weight or tq after a quick search. But 400hp with a 6 sec 0-60 on electric motor leads me to believe it’s going to be very heavy…? Or, it could just be limited via software.

I’ll be looking to buy one when it’s time to say good by to our IX as long as we can refill the tank at the dealer (at a minimum).