BMW has officially announced plans to develop a hydrogen fuel cell production car (FCEV), which is expected to be available for purchase by 2028. This exciting news stems from a new partnership between BMW and Toyota, two companies known for their commitment to advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology in automobiles.
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The first hydrogen production car from BMW will be a variation of an existing model, utilizing Toyota's upcoming third-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology scheduled for production between 2026 and 2027. This new technology is projected to provide a 20% increase in range compared to Toyota's current second-generation tech found in the Toyota Mirai, potentially offering a range of up to 780 kilometers - surpassing the most efficient BMW i7 by approximately 160 kilometers.
Efficient production methods are projected to decrease the cost of the powertrain by nearly a third, while adaptable fuel cell stacks will allow BMW and Toyota to develop multiple hydrogen models in different sizes. While the vehicles will share foundational components, BMW assures that the fuel cell models created through the partnership with Toyota will maintain their unique brand identities and characteristics.
Oliver Zipse, the Chairman of the board at BMW, described the announcement as a groundbreaking moment in automotive history, while Koji Sato, the President of Toyota, emphasized the shared passion for cars and belief in technology openness and a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality between BMW and Toyota. Sato added, ‟BMW and Toyota share the same passion for cars and belief in 'technology openness' and a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality. We will accelerate our efforts together with BMW and partners across various industries to realize a future where hydrogen energy supports society‟.
Currently, only two hydrogen fuel cell passenger cars are available for purchase in Europe: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo SUV. Toyota is also in the process of developing a hydrogen-powered version of the Hilux pick-up truck, with the belief that hydrogen is the most sustainable option for commercial vehicles due to the minimal impact on range for payloads and the faster refueling speed compared to battery electric vehicles.However, the availability of hydrogen refueling stations is crucial for the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Toyota praised the EU for its long-term commitment to FCEV technology, with plans to install hydrogen refueling stations every 200km by 2031. BMW and Toyota also plan to invest significantly in hydrogen infrastructure and collaborate with other companies to strengthen the network, particularly in regions where hydrogen infrastructure is currently lacking.
Toyota envisions a future where hydrogen fuel cells play a vital role not only in transportation but also in energy storage. The company has developed a portable fuel cell cartridge that can power a variety of applications, from motorcycles to coffee stands. Thiebault Paquet, Head of Toyota's hydrogen business, highlighted the potential of hydrogen in providing sustainable power in developing nations with limited infrastructure.
