Summary
- BMW plans to roll out a fuel cell electric vehicle in 2028, developed in collaboration with Toyota
- The hydrogen car will be based on the X5, with a range of 313 miles and a refueling time of 3-4 minutes
- BMW has a history of developing hydrogen cars, focusing on fuel cells for efficiency
- While BMW plans to enter the hydrogen market, there is concern over the lack of refueling infrastructure in many areas
- BMW and Toyota are working to further develop hydrogen infrastructure through collaborative initiatives
Article
BMW has confirmed plans to release a fuel cell electric vehicle in 2028, working in collaboration with Toyota. This will be the first hydrogen car that BMW will offer to consumers, with details about the vehicle currently limited. The hydrogen model will be a version of an existing product, based on the X5. Toyota supplies the fuel cells for this project, which is part of a test fleet of fewer than 100 units being built in Spartanburg and modified in Munich. The vehicle features a WLTP range of 313 miles and takes three to four minutes to refuel, making it comparable to a gas or diesel X5. The next-generation X5, on which BMW’s first hydrogen car will be based, is set to be produced in the latter half of 2026.
BMW has a history of involvement in hydrogen car development, dating back to 1979 with the introduction of the 520h modified to run on hydrogen. The company has since shifted its focus to fuel cells after realizing their efficiency over hydrogen ICEs. The X5 Hydrogen FCEV offers a range of around 310 miles, demonstrating the potential of hydrogen as a viable alternative to combustion engines. However, the lack of refueling infrastructure remains a significant challenge for widespread adoption, with BMW and Toyota focusing on regional projects to drive the development of hydrogen infrastructure.
BMW’s Neue Klasse, set to debut next year, will be the company’s first dedicated electric architecture and is being developed with a hydrogen fuel cell setup in mind. Despite the initial focus on CLAR for hydrogen efforts, BMW has a long history of hydrogen car development, with past models using combustion engines modified to run on hydrogen. The upcoming X5 Hydrogen FCEV will offer consumers a more efficient and environmentally friendly option, thanks to advancements in fuel cell technology. Jürgen Guldner of BMW emphasized the importance of range and refueling time in making hydrogen cars a viable option for consumers.
The collaboration between BMW and Toyota in developing hydrogen fuel cell technology marks a significant step forward in the automotive industry’s transition towards cleaner energy sources. While BMW’s first hydrogen car will be based on the X5, reports suggest that a conventional EV with batteries may also be launched on the same platform. The companies are working towards improving the infrastructure for hydrogen refueling, with plans to explore regional projects to drive further development. Despite the challenges ahead, BMW remains committed to offering consumers sustainable and innovative transportation solutions with its upcoming hydrogen car offerings.
In conclusion, BMW’s entry into the hydrogen market with the upcoming X5 Hydrogen FCEV represents a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility. Through collaboration with Toyota and advancements in fuel cell technology, BMW aims to offer consumers a viable alternative to traditional combustion engines. While challenges such as refueling infrastructure remain, the companies are exploring initiatives to drive further development and adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. With the launch of Neue Klasse in the coming year and the planned release of the hydrogen X5 in 2028, BMW is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation and environmental responsibility in the automotive industry.
Read the full article here
