BMW Teams with Toyota to Launch Hydrogen Cars by 2028
Published: September 8th, 2024.
BMW is set to start selling hydrogen-powered cars by 2028 in a new partnership with Toyota. The two companies are working together to develop a new generation of fuel-cell powertrains to reduce costs and make hydrogen vehicles a more appealing alternative to battery-electric cars. BMW plans to launch a hydrogen variant of an existing model, marking a major step in their long-term commitment to this technology.
Although hydrogen-powered cars have existed for some time, they haven’t gained much popularity due to high production costs and limited refueling infrastructure. Only a few models, like Toyota’s Mirai and Hyundai’s Nexo, are available, with global sales of hydrogen cars dropping to just 9,000 units last year. Despite these challenges, BMW remains optimistic about the potential of hydrogen, seeing it as a complement to electric vehicles, especially in areas where charging stations are scarce.
BMW and Toyota’s partnership aims to tackle some of these barriers by jointly developing and manufacturing fuel cell systems. This collaboration is expected to help reduce costs through shared technology and parts, making hydrogen cars more competitive. While BMW hasn’t released specific pricing details for its future hydrogen models, the goal is clear: make these vehicles more accessible and appealing to a broader audience.
BMW has been testing hydrogen-powered cars for several years, including a small fleet of iX5 sport utility vehicles since 2023. This experience has shaped their approach, and the company believes hydrogen will play an increasingly important role in their lineup. BMW’s CEO, Oliver Zipse, has hinted that hydrogen power could be integrated into the company’s upcoming “Neue Klasse” line of electric vehicles.
Hydrogen fuel cells offer some unique benefits compared to traditional electric vehicles. They provide longer driving ranges and quick refueling times, making them ideal for regions with poorly developed electric charging infrastructure. Hydrogen cars produce electricity by burning hydrogen, emitting only water, which is a significant environmental advantage.
Michael Rath, who heads BMW’s hydrogen-vehicle program, expressed the company’s confidence in hydrogen’s future potential. He emphasized that BMW sees a growing role for hydrogen in the future, even as the automotive industry focuses on battery-electric cars.
To succeed, the widespread adoption of hydrogen cars will still need significant improvements in refueling infrastructure and further reductions in production costs. However, the partnership between BMW and Toyota represents an important step toward overcoming these challenges. The joint effort highlights the possibility of hydrogen becoming a key player in the future of clean, sustainable mobility.
BMW’s commitment to hydrogen technology and its ongoing electric vehicle development show its strategy to explore all possible emissions reduction options. By working with Toyota, BMW hopes to make hydrogen cars a viable option for drivers who need more flexibility than what current electric vehicles offer. This partnership could be crucial in shaping the future of the automotive market, making hydrogen a natural alternative to traditional and electric options.