Hydrogen Harmony: BMW and Toyota Collaborate on FCEVs

source: BMW Group

Published 5 September 2024

In a significant development for the automotive industry, BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation have announced an expansion of their partnership to advance fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology. Both companies are intensifying their efforts to make hydrogen-powered vehicles a viable alternative, with BMW set to release its first series production FCEV by 2028.

A Renewed Focus on Hydrogen Mobility

BMW and Toyota, which have a long-standing history of collaboration, are now working together to develop the next generation of hydrogen fuel cell technology. This partnership reflects the automotive industry’s growing interest in hydrogen as a clean energy solution. Fuel cell vehicles, which convert hydrogen into electricity with only water vapor as a by-product, are seen as an important step toward reducing emissions.

For BMW, this marks a notable shift in its electric vehicle strategy. The company has already tested its iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, and the success of these trials is paving the way for full-scale production. The decision to incorporate hydrogen-powered models into its line-up adds another layer to BMW’s existing range of electric vehicles, which already includes battery electric and plug-in hybrid options.

Joint Powertrain Development

At the heart of this collaboration is the development of a shared powertrain system. BMW and Toyota are working together to create advanced, third-generation fuel cells, which will be used in both passenger and commercial vehicles. By pooling resources, the companies aim to lower the costs of fuel cell technology and make it more accessible to consumers.

Toyota’s President Koji Sato noted that the partnership will deepen in this next phase, with a focus on accelerating hydrogen infrastructure and vehicle development. “We will work together to realize a future where hydrogen energy supports society,” Sato said.

Infrastructure and Industry Impact

One of the major challenges for FCEVs is the lack of widespread hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. To address this, BMW and Toyota are engaging with governments and industry partners to promote the expansion of hydrogen refuelling networks. The companies believe that building out this infrastructure is essential to making hydrogen-powered vehicles a practical option for consumers.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote hydrogen as a renewable energy source. Hydrogen is viewed as an important component of global decarbonisation efforts, with the potential to complement battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by offering a solution for longer-range travel and commercial applications where BEVs may face limitations.

A Growing Push for Hydrogen

As the automotive industry explores different pathways to sustainability, hydrogen is increasingly seen as a potential game-changer. While battery electric vehicles have taken the lead in reducing emissions, hydrogen fuel cells offer a viable alternative for certain use cases, particularly where fast refuelling times and long-range capabilities are critical.

For BMW and Toyota, the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles represents a commitment to broadening the scope of clean energy transportation. By 2028, BMW will add its first hydrogen-powered model to its portfolio, providing another zero-emission option alongside its battery-electric and hybrid offerings.

The Road Ahead

BMW and Toyota’s renewed collaboration on fuel cell technology reflects a shared belief that hydrogen will play an essential role in the future of mobility. With their joint efforts, the companies hope to accelerate the transition to a hydrogen economy, where clean energy can power both passenger vehicles and commercial applications.

While the road to widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles remains long, the advancements made by BMW and Toyota could be a major step toward making this technology more accessible and practical for consumers.