Toyota to the rescue of BMW on hydrogen

To develop a range of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, BMW is turning to the absolute benchmark Toyota.

This partnership between BMW and Toyota is merely a continuation of an agreement signed between the two brands in December 2011 aimed at establishing a medium and long-term cooperative relationship in the field of environmental technologies.

The German and Japanese manufacturers are collaborating on the development of a third-generation fuel cell module. The goal is, of course, to diversify the electric offering alongside battery-powered cars. Toyota has long chosen to explore both philosophies to be ready for the day when one or the other takes the lead. We can even add to this, if we widen the scope to all carbon-neutral mobility, the hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine technology. Toyota and hydrogen is a romance that lasts, and now BMW has been invited to the dance.

Toyota believes in hydrogen and is working to convince the skeptics

This third-generation module will therefore be installed on the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) models of both manufacturers to expand their ranges. BMW plans to launch its first large-scale FCEV in 2028.

BMW is thus gaining a few years of research and development on fuel cells at a lower cost, while Toyota receives significant support to develop all the necessary infrastructure for the deployment of hydrogen technologies, whether in terms of production, transport, storage, or use of hydrogen. While electric charging infrastructures continue to advance, the hydrogen offering is still only in its infancy. A significant challenge, as to democratize this technology, Toyota and BMW will need to invest heavily to provide consumers with a sustainable supply of hydrogen, in collaboration with producers and stakeholders in distribution and refueling.

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