BMW to launch “series production” hydrogen fuel cell cars by 2028with the support of Toyota, the automaker announced on Thursday.
According to the press release, the two automakers will jointly develop a next-generation fuel cell powertrain that will be used in an upcoming BMW model as well as a future Toyota model. BMW plans to add the powertrain to an existing model, suggesting that the automaker still sees significant sales potential in fuel cells.
Toyota CEO Koji Sato (left) and BMW CEO Oliver Zipse
This is consistent with comments from BMW CEO Oliver Zipse in 2022 about the automaker’s stance on fuel cells. During that year’s earnings call, Zipse said BMW would need fuel cell vehicles to meet its electrification goals, which include makes up half of the automaker’s global electric car sales. by 2030.
Zipse also said at the time that BMW could adjust Next Generation EV Platform ARRIVE make way for fuel cellsalthough it’s unclear whether that’s a specific plan for a 2028 fuel cell model. Neue Klasse’s first EV and SUV previewed by Vision Neue Klasse X Concept—is expected to begin production for the European market next year. Vehicles for the U.S. market will be built in Mexico starting in 2027.
BMW iX5 Hydrogen Prototype
BMW previously collaborated with Toyota on the iX5, a fuel cell version of the X5 SUV that uses Toyota Fuel Cell and BMW’s electric drive components. The first units are due to be completed in 2022, but the iX5 is a low-volume vehicle intended primarily for testing and demonstration purposes. In addition to electrification, the automakers have also collaborated on the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra sports cars.
Toyota still sells its Mirai fuel-cell vehicle in small numbers, but other automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have shifted more development resources to commercial trucks. That’s a reflection of the challenges of developing fuel-cell infrastructure and stable hydrogen supplyScientists have also Question green credentials of fuel cells vs batteries, note that hydrogen still requires energy to produce and distribute could increase its overall carbon footprint.But it seems BMW is keeping the faith.
