Summary
- BEV and plug-in hybrid sales have increased to 12% and 20% of world auto sales, respectively
- Toyota and BMW are collaborating on a third-generation fuel cell system for passenger cars
- Both companies aim to create a hydrogen society and achieve carbon neutrality through their partnership
- BMW plans to release its first mass-produced fuel cell electric vehicle by 2028
- The progress in hydrogen fuel cell technology raises questions about the future of BEVs from other companies
Article
Worldwide sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have risen to 12% of total auto sales, with plug-in hybrids included, they have risen to 20%. The decreasing battery costs and scaling up BEV production have provided economies of scale and improved supply chains for these popular choices. However, Toyota and BMW are working on developing a third-generation fuel cell system in an attempt to revive the dream of hydrogen fuel cell cars and a hydrogen economy. This move comes as a surprise, as hydrogen-powered cars have not been practical or financially viable in the past.
The joint collaboration between Toyota and BMW aims to strengthen the hydrogen sector with the goal of creating a hydrogen society and achieving carbon neutrality. Both companies will work on developing fuel cell systems and improving infrastructure. Despite the lackluster sales of previous generations of hydrogen-powered cars, Toyota and BMW are dedicated to accelerating technological innovation in fuel cell systems. This partnership has been ongoing for over a decade, with a common vision of realizing a hydrogen society.
BMW plans to release its first mass-produced fuel cell electric vehicle by 2028 as a result of this collaboration. However, the practicality and mass-market appeal of hydrogen fuel cell cars remains questionable in comparison to the rapid advancements in battery-electric technology by other companies like BYD, Xpeng, Zeekr, NIO, and Tesla. The focus on hydrogen fuel cell technology by Toyota and BMW has raised skepticism about the feasibility and market demand for such vehicles in the future.
Despite the ongoing efforts by Toyota and BMW to accelerate fuel cell technology, the practicality and viability of hydrogen fuel cell cars remain in question. The push towards a hydrogen society and mass-market adoption of fuel cell vehicles may face challenges in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market dominated by battery-electric technology. The collaboration between the two companies highlights their dedication to advancing fuel cell technology but raises concerns about the future of hydrogen-powered cars in the automotive industry.
While Toyota and BMW continue to invest in fuel cell technology, the market demand and practicality of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles remain uncertain. The increasing popularity and advancements in battery-electric technology by other companies may overshadow the potential of hydrogen fuel cell cars in the future. The joint collaboration between Toyota and BMW aims to accelerate technological innovation in fuel cell systems but faces skepticism and questions about the feasibility of a hydrogen society and hydrogen-powered cars. The future of automotive technology remains uncertain as companies navigate the transition to sustainable energy solutions.
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