BMW Set to Revolutionize Mobility with First Hydrogen-Powered Car by 2028
Key Ideas
- BMW plans to introduce its first hydrogen-powered car in 2028, utilizing common fuel cell technology developed with Toyota Motor Corp.
- The hydrogen car will be an existing BMW model with a hydrogen fuel cell variant, showcasing the advancement in mobility technology and a lower development cost due to collaboration.
- The company is actively testing hydrogen-driven cars with impressive range and hopes for significant infrastructure development by 2028 to support fuel-cell vehicles.
- BMW is hedging its bets by working on both fuel cell and battery-powered prototypes for vehicles, positioning itself at the forefront of hydrogen technology among German carmakers.
BMW has announced its plans to launch its first hydrogen-powered car in 2028, in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corp. The hydrogen car will be an adaptation of an existing model from BMW, with the incorporation of a hydrogen fuel cell variant. While details about the specific model, pricing, and production volume remain undisclosed, BMW's CEO, Oliver Zipse, emphasized that this new car will demonstrate how technological advancements are shaping the future of mobility. By partnering with Toyota, BMW aims to reduce development costs and create a fuel cell drive system that can be utilized not only in passenger cars but also in commercial vehicles.
BMW has been actively involved in the field of hydrogen technology and has already been test-driving the iX5 Hydrogen, a hydrogen-driven car with an impressive range of 500 km that can be refueled within three to four minutes. In addition to fuel cell vehicles, BMW is also working on battery-powered prototypes, ensuring that it is prepared for the future of green technology in the automotive industry.
Fuel-cell vehicles operate similarly to electric vehicles, using an electric motor for propulsion but generating electricity from a fuel cell stack where hydrogen is split to produce power. While fuel-cell vehicles offer advantages like quick refueling and long-range capabilities, challenges such as high costs and limited refueling stations have hindered their widespread adoption. However, BMW remains optimistic that by 2028, the infrastructure for hydrogen-powered vehicles will have significantly improved to support their vision.
BMW's proactive approach in developing both fuel cell and battery-powered prototypes positions the company as a leader in hydrogen technology among German carmakers. The collaboration with Toyota and the upcoming launch of the hydrogen-powered car reflect BMW's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.