Berlin (Business Emerge), September 6: BMW is gearing up to introduce its first hydrogen-powered vehicle by 2028, as part of its growing focus on green mobility solutions. The German automaker, in collaboration with Toyota, has been working on developing fuel cell technology to drive this innovation forward. Although BMW hasn’t yet revealed which model will feature the hydrogen fuel cell drive or specifics regarding pricing and production volumes, the company is confident that this advancement will showcase the future of sustainable transportation.
By teaming up with Toyota, BMW aims to reduce production costs and apply the technology to not only passenger cars but also commercial vehicles. This partnership is expected to streamline the development of an efficient hydrogen fuel cell drive system, significantly contributing to both brands’ long-term green technology goals.
Among German manufacturers, BMW stands out as the most committed to hydrogen-powered vehicles. The company has been testing its hydrogen-powered prototype, the iX5 Hydrogen, which boasts a range of 500 km (310 miles) and can be refueled in just three to four minutes. This efficiency positions BMW ahead in the race to integrate hydrogen technology into mainstream vehicles.
The hydrogen fuel cell system, which operates similarly to electric vehicles by using an electric motor, generates electricity through the separation of hydrogen molecules. Despite the benefits of quick refueling and long range, hydrogen vehicles remain a costly alternative due to limited infrastructure. However, BMW anticipates that by 2028, the development of hydrogen refueling stations will have advanced significantly, aligning with the company’s ambitious plans.
While BMW is also investing in battery electric vehicle technology, the company is hedging its bets by continuing to explore the potential of hydrogen-powered vehicles, positioning itself to adapt to the future of green transportation, whichever path it may take.