BMW and Toyota Join Forces for Hydrogen-Powered Future
Munich, Friday, 6 September 2024.
BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation are collaborating to develop next-generation fuel cell technology, with BMW planning to launch its first hydrogen-powered vehicle by 2028. This partnership aims to accelerate zero-emission technology and promote the hydrogen economy, potentially reshaping the automotive landscape.
A Strategic Partnership
The collaboration between BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable automotive technology. Both companies have been at the forefront of innovation, and their combined expertise is expected to drive the development of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) to new heights. The partnership will see the integration of shared core fuel cell technology in both passenger and commercial vehicles, creating synergies that are expected to reduce production costs and enhance the overall efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells.
Technological Advancements and Challenges
BMW and Toyota’s joint development will focus on the third generation of fuel cells, which are anticipated to be more cost-effective and efficient. Toyota’s third-generation fuel-cell stack, for instance, is projected to cost 50% less and offer 20% more range per kilogram of hydrogen[1]. However, the success of this technology is not without its challenges. The hydrogen fueling infrastructure, particularly in regions like California, still faces significant hurdles, with many stations frequently offline and supply shortages causing increased prices[2]. This underscores the importance of the partnership’s aim to develop necessary infrastructure for hydrogen refueling.
Economic and Environmental Impact
By advancing hydrogen technology, BMW and Toyota are not only contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions but also promoting the hydrogen economy. Hydrogen is seen as a promising energy carrier for global decarbonization and an effective storage medium for renewable energy sources[3]. The collaboration aims to drive down the costs of fuel cell technology through shared development and procurement, which will support the expansion of hydrogen refueling and battery electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This initiative aligns with BMW’s ‘technology-openness’ approach, offering a range of future mobility solutions alongside battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and internal combustion engine (ICE) models[4].
Future Prospects
The partnership between BMW and Toyota goes beyond vehicle development; it includes efforts to create a conducive framework for hydrogen mobility by promoting favorable policies with governments and attracting investments. This collaborative effort is seen as a strategic move to ensure the economic viability of hydrogen technology. The first hydrogen-powered BMW is set to be launched in 2028, and both companies are optimistic about the potential of hydrogen fuel cells to revolutionize the automotive industry[5]. As Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, stated, this marks a milestone in automotive history, being the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle offered by a global premium manufacturer[6].