Not many carmakers are investing in hydrogen fuel-cell technology as electric vehicles (EVs) look to be the surer bet, but two of the bigger players are pooling their resources.
BMW and Toyota have announced they’ll jointly develop components for next-generation fuel cell systems. The German carmaker will still use electric motors and hydrogen tanks developed in-house.
Toyota already has hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) with its Mirai and Crown sedans, but while BMW has showcased prototypes it has yet to launch its first series production FCEV – it has now confirmed it will do so in 2028.
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Toyota president Koji Sato and Oliver Zipse, chairman of the management board of BMW
It hasn’t said what this vehicle will be or in what markets it will be sold, but has teased more news to come next month.
“We [will] join our forces, and all our expertise in both our companies to build the best-ever fuel-cell system and use the economies of scales and bring down costs in order to have an attractive car for customers at an attractive price,” Dr Michael Rath, vice president of hydrogen vehicles at the BMW Group, told media.
The two companies have already been working together for some time. BMW has been testing a fleet of hydrogen fuel-cell X5 models, called the iX5, globally which use a BMW-developed drivetrain but with Toyota fuel cells.
BMW says its FCEV will be the first ever from a premium brand. While Hyundai, Honda and Toyota have all invested heavily in hydrogen technology, they haven’t introduced FCEVs for their luxury Genesis, Acura and Lexus brands, respectively.
“Customers can expect the BMW and Toyota FCEV models to maintain their distinct brand identities and characteristics, providing them with individual FCEV options to choose from,” reads a press release from BMW.
BMW iX5
BMW, like Toyota, is taking a multi-pathway approach to electrification – or what it calls a “technology-openness” approach – with the as-yet unspecified FCEV to be sold alongside electric, plug-in hybrid, and combustion-powered vehicles.
By partnering up, the companies say they can find synergies in hydrogen technology and drive down the cost of fuel-cell development.
The companies say they will also work together on expanding both hydrogen refuelling and battery electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
They’re advocating “the creation of a conducive framework by governments and investors to facilitate the early-stage penetration of hydrogen mobility and ensure its economic viability”.
BMW acknowledges one of the main barriers to FCEV adoption is the absence of refuelling stations, but it’s hopeful.
Toyota Mirai
“We see a very, very good future in regards to refuelling stations due to the fact that passenger vehicles share the same refuelling station systems like heavy transport and commercial vehicles too, and we see a very good future in this regard,” said Dr Rath.
“The ecosystem is reliant on demand and supply, and we bring in with a car the demand.
“Nevertheless, we also have talks with infrastructure providers and we try to foster jointly with Toyota an infrastructure system.”
This isn’t the first time BMW and Toyota have joined forces to make the development of low-volume vehicles more affordable. The Toyota Supra shares its bones with the BMW Z4 roadster, and is powered by a range of BMW engines.
