BMW Group announced today that it plans to launch its first-ever series production hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028.

BMW has set a goal to reduce CO2 emissions per vehicle over the full lifecycle – including supply chain, production and product use – by at least 40% by 2030, and to transition to battery electric vehicles, with a plan for 50% of company-wide sales to be EVs by 2030.

The plans to launch the new FCEV follows testing by BMW of its iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide. BMW unveiled the iX5 as a concept vehicle in 2019, and introduced the pilot vehicles early last year, noting at the time that it views fuel cell electric vehicle technology as “a potential addition to the drive technology used by battery-electric vehicles.”

The announcement comes alongside the launch of an expanded hydrogen-focused collaboration between BMW and Toyota. Toyota has been collaborating since 2013 with BMW on fuel cell drive systems, and provided the individual fuel cells for the iX5 hydrogen vehicles.

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.”

Focused on “realizing a hydrogen society,” key areas of the expanded collaboration will include working together on the development of a third-generation fuel cell system, which will be installed in both companies’ models, as well as creating synergies in development and procurement, and driving down costs to make FCEVs a more accessible option for commercial and passenger vehicles. The companies also said that they will help promote infrastructure, creating demand to encourage sustainable hydrogen supply, and working closely with hydrogen-producing companies as well as distribution and refueling facilities to ensure a stable hydrogen supply and reduce costs.

Koji Sato, President of Toyota, said:

“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. 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 realization of a hydrogen society.”