BMW to launch series production of its iX5 hydrogen car in 2028 on the back of Toyota collaboration

Source:hydrogeninsight

Auto giants will jointly develop and manufacture 'a new generation' of fuel cell-electric systems for their respective H2 models

Koji Sato, president of Toyota and Oliver Zipse, chairman of BMW.

Koji Sato, president of Toyota and Oliver Zipse, chairman of BMW.Photo: BMW/Toyota

BMW will for the first time roll out series production of its iX5 hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) passenger car in 2028, on the back of a collaboration with Japanese auto giant Toyota that will see the pair jointly develop hydrogen fuel cell power trains.

The deal, announced today (Thursday), envisages Toyota and BMW joining forces to develop a “new generation” of fuel cell technology and hydrogen fuel cell-electric powertrains that will be deployed in each of their respective fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) models.

By pooling their research and development resources ­— as well as their procurement and manufacturing — the pair also hope to be able to bring down the cost of FCEVs.And although BMW plans to roll-out series production of the iX5 FCEV, which will be fitted with the BMW-Toyota fuel cell technology, it also appears to be preparing to offer hydrogen fuel cell powertrains in its existing fleet of vehicle types.

“The series production models will be integrated into BMW’s existing portfolio, ie BMW will offer an existing model in an additional hydrogen fuel cell drive system variant,” the company said in a press release.

The German auto giant gave no indication as to which markets the iX5 FCEV will be available in once series production starts in 2028.

BMW has been testing its iX5 hydrogen FCEV since February 2023 as part of a worldwide pilot, however only a few vehicles have been available to select customers for trial and demonstration purposes.

The current iteration of the iX5 is fitted with Toyota’s fuel cell technology, as part of a long-term partnership between the two firms that dates back to 2011. BMW has also been developing its own fuel cell power systems since 2022.

“This is a milestone in automotive history: the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle to be offered by a global premium manufacturer,” Oliver Zipse, chairman of BMW AG. “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.”

Toyota’s Mirai is already the best-selling hydrogen-powered vehicle in the world, although take-up of the vehicle has stalled in recent years, especially in its US market, largely on account of poor or unreliable hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, and expensive H2 fuel.

“In our long history of partnership, we have confirmed that BMW and Toyota share the same passion for cars and belief in ‘technology openness’ and a ‘multi-pathway’ approach to carbon neutrality,” said Koji Sato, president of Toyota. “Based on these shared values, 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.”

BMW had not responded to queries from Hydrogen Insight at the time of publication.

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