Not many automakers are investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology because electric vehicles (EVs) seem like the more certain choice, but two of the larger manufacturers are pooling their resources.
BMW and Toyota have announced they will jointly develop components for next-generation fuel cell systems. The German automaker will still use electric motors and hydrogen tanks developed in-house.
Toyota has a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) with Mirai and the Crown sedan, but while BMW has shown prototypes it has yet to launch its first mass-production FCEV – which it has now confirmed will arrive in 2028.
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Toyota President Koji Sato and Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of BMW
The company has yet to say what the model will look like or where it will be sold, but has teased more information coming next month.
“We [will] “We will combine all the expertise of both companies to build the best fuel cell system ever, while taking advantage of economies of scale and cost reduction to achieve an attractive vehicle for customers at an attractive price,” Dr. Michael Rath, vice president of hydrogen vehicles at BMW Group, told the media.
The two companies have been working together for some time. BMW has been testing a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. X5 model, called the iX5globally using a powertrain developed by BMW but using fuel cells from Toyota.
BMW says its FCEV will be the first from a luxury brand. While Hyundai, Honda and Toyota have all invested heavily in hydrogen technology, they have yet to introduce FCEVs for their Genesis, Acura and Lexus luxury brands.
“Customers can expect the BMW and Toyota FCEV models to maintain their distinct brand identities and characteristics, offering them distinct FCEV options to choose from,” BMW’s press release states.
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BMW iX5
BMW, like Toyota, is taking a multi-pronged approach to electrification – known as an “open technology” approach – with an as-yet-unspecified FCEV model that will be sold alongside electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and internal combustion engine vehicles.
The companies say by working together they can find commonalities in hydrogen technology and reduce the cost of developing fuel cells.
The companies said they will also work together to expand hydrogen fueling and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
They are advocating “for governments and investors to create an enabling framework to promote early penetration of hydrogen mobility and ensure its economic viability”.
BMW admits one of the main barriers to FCEV adoption is the lack of refueling stations, but it remains hopeful.
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Toyota Mirai
“We see a very, very good future in terms of fueling stations because of the fact that passenger vehicles also share the same fueling station system as heavy trucks and commercial vehicles, and we see a very good future in that regard,” said Dr. Rath.
“The ecosystem depends on supply and demand, and we provide demand through cars.
“However, we are also negotiating with infrastructure suppliers and trying to build an infrastructure system together with Toyota.”
This isn’t the first time BMW and Toyota have teamed up to make it easier to develop low-volume vehicles. Toyota Supra share its bones with BMW Z4 Convertible and equipped with a variety of BMW engines.
