BMW teams up with Toyota for hydrogen fuel cell-powered car by 2028

BMW's iX5 Hydrogen, a fuel cell-powered SUV, was first unveiled in 2019, and it was a major step toward the company’s hydrogen ambitions. Now, as per a Reuters report, the German automaker is planning to release its first-ever commercial hydrogen-powered vehicle in 2028, using fuel cell technology developed with Toyota. The car will be based on an existing BMW model, though details about the model, pricing, or production volume are not yet available.

The collaboration with Toyota will be important to lower costs and develop a hydrogen drive system for both passenger and commercial vehicles, the company CEO stated. BMW has been a strong supporter of hydrogen technology - as apparent by the iX5 Hydrogen - which offers a 500 km (310-mile) range and quick refueling in just three to four minutes, which is substantially faster than its electric counterparts. Nevertheless, the technology is not devoid of its shortcomings.

Hydrogen vehicles use an electric motor powered by a fuel stack, where hydrogen is split to generate electricity. While they boast fast refueling times and long ranges, very few automakers apart from BMW, such as Hyundai's Nexoand Honda's Clarity fuel cell, are pursuing hydrogen due to high costs and limited fueling infrastructure. Interestingly, the fuel cell technology was originally developed for use in space missions by NASA, specifically on the Gemini V spacecraft that launched in 1965.

BMW expects hydrogen infrastructure to improve by 2028. The automaker's dual approach of investing in both hydrogen and battery-electric vehicles is quite a pragmatic strategy, it seems. By developing both technologies, the company is clearly positioning itself to adapt to future shifts in consumer demand or infrastructure. This flexibility could give BMW a competitive edge, regardless of which green technology becomes more widespread.

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