German automobile manufacturer BMW announced on Thursday that it plans to launch its first hydrogen-powered vehicle in 2028.

According to an official statement, BMW will collaborate with Toyota Motor Corp. to develop a third-generation fuel cell system that will be installed in both companies’ electric vehicles.

“Powered by hydrogen and driven by the spirit of our cooperation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility,” said BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse in the statement.

“And it will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles.”

Fueling change

The press note said both companies will also work to drive down costs by amalgamating powertrain units to expand commercial and passenger vehicle demand.

The note added that by making FCEV a more accessible option, the partnership will contribute to creating a hydrogen society.

“We will deepen our collaboration in efforts such as the joint development of next-generation fuel cell systems and the expansion of infrastructure, aiming for the realisation of a hydrogen society,” said Toyota Motor Corp. President Koji Sato.

Both companies work closely with hydrogen-producing companies and distribution and refuelling facilities to ensure a stable hydrogen supply and reduce costs.

BMW is by far the strongest proponent of hydrogen technology among German carmakers. It has been testing a hydrogen passenger vehicle, the iX5 Hydrogen, with a range of 500 km and the ability to refuel in three to four minutes.

Future track

A fuel cell vehicle uses an electric motor like an EV but draws power from a fuel stack where hydrogen is separated by a catalyst to produce electricity.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles can refuel quickly and have a long range, but few carmakers have invested in the technology because of high costs and a limited network of fueling stations.

BMW assumed the hydrogen charging infrastructure would have developed significantly by 2028 to accommodate its plans.

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