Fuel Cell collaboration announced between BMW and Toyota
BMW plans to launch its first-ever production fuel cell electric vehicle in 2028. This, the German company says, would offer customers an alternative to all-electric cars that has a car that produces no emissions. BMW and Toyota have announced that they are “pooling their innovative strength and their technological capabilities to bring a new generation of fuel cell powertrain technology to the road.”
Both companies have shared interest in hydrogen fuel cell cars with the Japanese company being slow to adopt pure electric cars.
“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,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “And it will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles.”
After testing a fleet of BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell SUVs, BMW is now hoping for a series of production powered cars making use of this technology. The models, it says will be integrated into its existing lineup. In other words, this means that it will be hydrogen-powered versions rather than a completely new car that solely runs on hydrogen as Toyota had previously tried with the Mirai.
“The pathway to realizing 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,” BMW said in a press release. “Recognizing the complementary nature of these technologies, the BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation are supporting the expansion of both hydrogen refuelling and battery electric vehicle 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.”
