BMW will launch a “sequence manufacturing” hydrogen gas cell automobile in 2028, with assist kind Toyota, the automaker introduced Thursday.
The 2 automakers will collectively develop a next-generation gas cell powertrain, which shall be used within the deliberate BMW mannequin in addition to a future Toyota mannequin, in keeping with a press launch. BMW plans so as to add this powertrain to an current mannequin, indicating the automaker nonetheless sees important potential gross sales volumes in gas cells.
Toyota CEO Koji Sato (left) and BMW CEO Oliver Zipse
This aligns with BMW CEO Oliver Zipse’s 2022 feedback on the automaker’s views on gas cells. Throughout an earnings name that 12 months, Zipse mentioned BMW would wish gas cell automobiles to realize its electrification targets, which embrace making half the automaker’s international gross sales quantity electrical by 2030.
Zipse additionally mentioned on the time that BMW may adapt its next-generation EV platform to make room for gas cells, though it is unclear if that’s the particular plan for the 2028 gas cell mannequin. The primary Neue Klasse EV—and SUV previewed by the Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse X idea—is because of begin manufacturing for the European market subsequent 12 months. U.S.-market automobiles shall be produced in Mexico beginning in 2027.
BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype
BMW beforehand collaborated with Toyota on the iX5, a gas cell model of the X5 SUV that makes use of a Toyota gas cell stack and BMW electric-drive parts. The primary items had been accomplished in 2022, however the iX5 is a low-volume automobile supposed primarily for take a look at and demonstration functions. Exterior the realm of electrification, the automakers additionally collaborated on the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra sports activities vehicles.
Toyota nonetheless sells its Mirai gas cell automobile in small numbers, however different automakers akin to Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai have shifted extra growth assets to industrial vans. That is a mirrored image of the challenges of creating gas cell infrastructure and constant hydrogen provides. Scientists have additionally questioned the inexperienced credentials of gas cells in comparison with batteries, noting that hydrogen nonetheless requires power to supply an distribute that can enhance its general carbon footprint. However it seems BMW continues to be protecting the religion.