The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation are pooling their technological capabilities to bring a new generation of fuel cell powertrain technology to the roads.
Both companies are keen to advance the hydrogen economy and have extended their collaboration to push this locally zero-emission technology to the next level.
As a result, BMW plans to launch its first-ever series production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028, offering customers an additional all-electric powertrain option with zero local emissions.
Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, says: “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. 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, says: “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 realisation of a hydrogen society. We will accelerate our efforts together with BMW and partners across various industries to realise a future where hydrogen energy supports society.”
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 will be utilised in individual models from both BMW and Toyota and will expand the range of FCEV options available to customers.
The companies said that 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. Realising synergies and amalgamating the total volume of powertrain units by collaborating on development and procurement aims to drive down the costs of fuel cell technology.
After successfully testing the BMW 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, meaning 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).
The motor giants say the pathway to realising 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. Recognising the complementary nature of these technologies, BMW and Toyota are supporting the expansion of both hydrogen refuelling and BEV 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.
