BMW is betting on hydrogen! The German automaker has announced plans to release a hydrogen-powered vehicle with fuel cell technology in 2028. “Now is the time to unleash the full potential of hydrogen,” said BMW CEO Oliver Zipse. The hope is that hydrogen could play a crucial role in reducing the climate-damaging carbon dioxide (CO₂). In developing hydrogen technology for cars, BMW is working in collaboration with Japanese automaker Toyota.
Toyota and BMW: A New Hydrogen Alliance
Toyota will supply BMW with fuel cells, according to Michael Rath, head of BMW’s hydrogen vehicle department. “The development of various components will be split between us,” Rath explained. However, BMW representatives have yet to reveal which vehicle segment the car will belong to or what its price will be.
Back in the 1980s, many experts predicted hydrogen as the energy of the future. But progress stalled—it was too complicated and too expensive. Many companies abandoned the idea, shifting their focus to electric mobility as the solution to climate issues.
Hydrogen Cars: Faster Refueling, Higher Costs
One advantage hydrogen cars have over electric vehicles is faster refueling. However, despite this benefit, hydrogen-powered vehicles have struggled to gain a foothold in the global market. Investors in this technology have often faced financial losses.
But why?
- Infrastructure: There are only a few hydrogen refueling stations worldwide.
- Cost: Hydrogen vehicles and the necessary infrastructure remain expensive.
- Hydrogen Production: Although hydrogen is considered a clean energy source, current production methods still generate significant CO₂ emissions.
- Energy Efficiency: The energy chain for hydrogen vehicles is less efficient compared to electric vehicles.
- Competition: Electric vehicles have advanced significantly and now offer a strong alternative to traditional combustion engines.
What’s Next?
BMW’s hydrogen expert Rath commented, “We are working with Toyota to jointly expand the hydrogen infrastructure.” However, he also emphasized that BMW has no plans to build its own refueling stations.
