While BMW did not disclose specific details about the model or its features, the company emphasised that it would be an existing model equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell drive option. This suggests that BMW may be considering retrofitting one of its current vehicles with the necessary components to enable hydrogen propulsion.
BMW CEO Oliver Zipse expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that the hydrogen-powered vehicle would showcase the company's technological advancements and its vision for the future of mobility. The partnership with Toyota is expected to accelerate development efforts and reduce costs, allowing BMW to bring the vehicle to market in a timely manner.
The collaboration with Toyota will focus on developing a passenger car drive unit that can also be applied to commercial vehicles. This shared technology platform will enable both companies to benefit from economies of scale and accelerate the commercialisation of fuel-cell vehicles.
BMW has been a strong advocate for hydrogen technology among German carmakers, investing in research and development and testing prototype vehicles. The iX5 Hydrogen, a hydrogen-powered SUV, has demonstrated a range of 500 km (310 miles) and a refuelling time of three to four minutes.
The company's decision to pursue both battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles reflects its strategic approach to the future of mobility. While battery-electric vehicles have gained significant traction in recent years, hydrogen-powered vehicles offer certain advantages, such as longer range and faster refuelling times.
BMW's announcement of its plans to launch a hydrogen-powered car in 2028 demonstrates its confidence in the potential of this technology.