The BMW Group, through a new collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation, has announced plans to launch its first series production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028.
Together, the companies will pool their strengths and technological capabilities as they aim to usher in a new generation of fuel cell powertrain technologies. BMW and Toyota are ultimately looking to advance the hydrogen economy and have extended their existing collaboration to make a push on this local, zero-emission, technology.
The OEMs will jointly develop the powertrain system featured in the FCEVs, with the core fuel cell technology (individual third-generation fuel cells) enabling synergies for both commercial and passenger vehicle applications. The result of this collaborative effort will be utilized in individual models from both BMW and Toyota – expanding the range of FCEV options available to customers, while realizing the vision of hydrogen mobility.
The series production models will be integrated into BMW’s existing portfolio, with the OEM offering a hydrogen fuel cell drive system in a variant of an existing model. With FCEV technology currently being positioned as another electric vehicle technology, BMW views it as complementary to the drive technology used in BEVs, PHEVs, and ICEs.
These new vehicles will also maintain the brand identities and characteristics of the BMW and Toyota brands. Through realizing synergies and amalgamating the total volume of powertrain units through their collaboration on development and procurement, the OEMs aim to facilitate fuel cell adoption by driving down the costs of fuel cell technology.
BMW and Toyota’s hydrogen-focused partnership will extend to account for its potential in commercial vehicles as well as the infrastructure needed to support FCEVs overall, particularly FCEV-focused refueling infrastructure. Recognizing the complementary nature of hydrogen refueling and battery electric vehicle charging infrastructure, BMW and Toyota are supporting the expansion of both. Here, the companies will encourage sustainable hydrogen supply by fostering demand, while also working closely with other companies building low-carbon hydrogen production, distribution, and refueling facilities.
To accelerate and encourage FCEV adoption, the OEMs will mutually advocate for the development 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 are looking to help establish the FCEV market as an additional pillar alongside other powertrain technologies. To accelerate this initiative, the companies will also partner with regional or local projects to further drive the development of hydrogen infrastructure.
