BMW Regensburg Plant Leads the Charge with Hydrogen Logistics Innovation
Key Ideas
  • Starting in 2026, BMW's Regensburg plant will deploy hydrogen-powered tugger trains and forklift trucks for all logistics tasks, optimizing processes.
  • Hydrogen refueling offers fast refills similar to conventional fuels, with filling stations to be integrated within the production areas for efficiency.
  • A two-kilometre-long pipeline network with six filling stations will be installed by early 2026 to supply the logistics fleet with hydrogen, aiming for a smoother transition.
  • The transition of the entire logistics fleet to hydrogen propulsion is set to be completed in stages by 2030, with an estimated annual hydrogen consumption of 150 tonnes.
BMW's plant in Regensburg, Germany, is embarking on an innovative project to revolutionize its production logistics by introducing hydrogen-powered tugger trains and forklift trucks. Starting in 2026, these hydrogen vehicles will take over all transport and logistics tasks within the press shop, body shop, and assembly areas. The shift to hydrogen propulsion is expected to optimize logistics processes, save valuable space, and diversify the plant's energy mix. The advantage of hydrogen lies in its fast refueling process, akin to traditional fuels, with filling stations planned to be integrated directly within the production areas. To support this transition, BMW Group plant Regensburg will establish a two-kilometre-long pipeline network with six filling stations by early 2026, ensuring a steady supply of hydrogen for the logistics fleet. The project manager, Katharina Radtke, highlights the benefits of hydrogen and emphasizes the efficiency gains and space-saving advantages it will bring to the plant. With the conversion scheduled to be completed in stages by 2030, the logistics fleet's annual hydrogen consumption is estimated to reach approximately 150 tonnes, marking a significant step towards sustainable and efficient production logistics.
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