- BMW and Toyota join forces to push hydrogen fuel tech
- BMW to launch first hydrogen car by 2028
- Commitment to invest in overall hydrogen infrastructure
- Situation will need to improve radically in UK, with just a handful of public hydrogen refill stations as it stands
BMW has partnered with Toyota to accelerate the production of hydrogen fuel vehicles - with the first examples to roll off the factory floor by 2028.
While other manufacturers have been less forthcoming when it comes to the benefits of hydrogen tech, BMW is a long-standing admirer.
A couple of years ago, we reported how BMW was busy testing a fleet of hydrogen powered iX5 SUVs.
And now BMW has announced an alliance with Toyota to develop a shared hydrogen powertrain with both firms also committing to investing in hydrogen infrastructure.
Crucially, BMW says it plans to launch its first-ever series production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028 with the tech channelled into both passenger cars and commercial products.
Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said: “This is a milestone in automotive history: the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle to be offered by a global premium manufacturer. Powered by hydrogen and driven by the spirit of our cooperation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility. And it will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles.”
So, what is a hydrogen powered vehicle, and how does it all work?
A so-called ‘fuel cell electric vehicle’, or ‘FCEV’, is (as the name suggests) a type of electric vehicle. Energy is harnessed via a chemical reaction that takes place between hydrogen stored in special fuel tanks and oxygen, which then produces electricity.
The byproduct of this process of ‘reverse electrolysis’ is harmless water vapour. And there are lots of other benefits, too.
Hydrogen cars typically have a greater range between refuel stops compared with a traditional EV, of around 400 miles.
And unlike with an EV where you need to plug in and wait for a battery to recharge, hydrogen cars can be refuelled in a matter of minutes. You just stop at a station, poke a nozzle in your hydrogen tank as you would a petrol or diesel car, and wait for it to fill up.
Why isn’t the UK already full of hydrogen cars, then?
One major factor is the number of hydrogen filling stations. To cut a long story short, there ain’t a lot of ‘em at present. In fact, there are just a handful that are open to the public, with many having been disbanded last year.
That’s clearly not ideal.
But BMW and Toyota appear to be on a mission to change all of that. They’re working with governments and investors to make hydrogen vehicles ‘economically viable’, while a spokesperson adds: “The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation are supporting the expansion of both hydrogen refuelling and battery electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Both companies are encouraging sustainable hydrogen supply by creating demand, working closely with companies that are building low-carbon hydrogen production, distribution, and refuelling facilities.”
BMW says that hydrogen cars will slot seamlessly into existing ranges. So, you might expect a hydrogen 3 Series to sit next to the plug-in hybrid variant, or a hydrogen i5 to appear next to its pure-electric sibling.
You can also expect decent amounts of power and performance. The hydrogen BMW iX5 that has been put through its paces has 374 hp and a range in excess of 300 miles.
Meanwhile Toyota has already produced a hydrogen car, called the Mirai, with Toyota itself admitting it hasn't been a rip-roaring success.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Third-gen Audi Q5 is sportier and more spacious than ever
- Subtle refresh for Honda HR-V
- Porsche Taycan wins major ‘best electric performance’ award
- Overhauled new MG ZS is powerful hybrid
- Ariel unveils electric E-Nomad concept
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
