BMW and Toyota join forces to produce hydrogen-powered cars by 2028

BMW has announced mass production of its first hydrogen-powered car for 2028, in collaboration with Toyota, despite the infrastructure and cost challenges associated with this niche technology.

Share:

Signature de la coopération BMW-Toyota

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

BMW has announced that it will mass-produce its first hydrogen fuel cell electric car in 2028.
This project is based on a technological partnership with Toyota, a fuel cell specialist since the launch of the Mirai in 2014.
BMW’s aim is to diversify its range of alternative-propulsion vehicles in the face of competition that focuses mainly on electric batteries.
The choice of hydrogen remains a bold one.
Infrastructure and cost challenges are weighing on the adoption of this technology.
At the end of 2023, only 921 hydrogen refueling stations are operational worldwide, with a high concentration in China and Germany, according to LBST.
BMW and Toyota intend to develop joint solutions to overcome these obstacles, while preserving the identity of their respective brands.

Technology diversification strategy

BMW is looking beyond batteries to prepare for the 2035 deadline, when the European Union will ban the sale of new combustion-powered vehicles.
Technological diversification is crucial to adapt to market uncertainties and fluctuations in demand.
Hydrogen could offer a complementary solution, particularly for heavy vehicles and long-distance journeys, segments where batteries have limitations.
Toyota shares this vision, relying on a technology it has been developing for almost a decade.
The Mirai, although a pioneer, has never achieved significant sales volumes.
However, the experience acquired enables Toyota to reduce development costs and benefit from synergies with BMW.
Above all, this alliance is a rationalization of investments in a technology with great potential, but which is still expensive and complex in the short term.

Infrastructure development, a major challenge

The success of the hydrogen car will depend on the ability to develop an efficient recharging infrastructure.
BMW and Toyota have no plans to produce joint models, but intend to collaborate on infrastructure.
This approach aims to meet refuelling needs while pooling deployment costs.
The lack of charging stations is a major obstacle to the deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The two companies hope that their joint efforts in this area will encourage governments and investors to give greater support to this segment, especially in European and Asian markets where demand for infrastructure is strongest.

A strategic bet in a changing market

While most automakers are concentrating on battery electrics, BMW and Toyota are choosing a different path.
They are counting on evolving needs and regulations to create demand for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
This strategic choice could pay off if public policies and tax incentives favor hydrogen as an alternative to battery electrics.
For the time being, hydrogen remains a risky but potentially strategic bet.
Industry players are keeping a close eye on the development of these technologies and the responses of governments around the world.
BMW and Toyota are showing their determination to position themselves ahead of this possible transition, with a business model based on collaboration and risk-sharing.

The European Investment Bank unlocks an unprecedented $250mn loan to support the construction of Costa Rica’s first electric rail system, in partnership with two regional financial institutions.
Ferrari unveiled the chassis of its first electric vehicle, the Elettrica, while announcing a revision of its electrification targets, favouring thermal and hybrid powertrains for the coming decade.
The main European automotive lobby is calling for looser 2030 and 2035 emission targets, promoting hybrids and carbon-neutral fuels.
Dubai's electricity authority strengthens its electric vehicle charging network through three major contracts with ENOC, Dubai Taxi and Parkin under its EV Green Charger programme.
TotalEnergies and Banque des Territoires create a joint venture to accelerate the rollout of public electric charging infrastructure in French municipalities, with a focus on urban and suburban areas.
Tesla has announced an event scheduled for October 7, hinting at the arrival of a more affordable vehicle amid a limited product refresh and growing competition in the electric vehicle segment.
Dacia presents an ultra-compact electric prototype priced under €15,000, betting on extreme simplification to compete with low-cost Chinese electric vehicles.
Berlin questions the ban on sales of combustion cars from 2035, as German automakers warn of economic and industrial risks for the country.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa calls for adjustments to the 2035 deadline to safeguard industrial activity and accelerate decarbonisation through flexibility mechanisms.
Faced with falling margins and overcapacity, Beijing is restructuring its electric vehicle industry by focusing on quality, standards, and technological upgrading.
An American-built electric aircraft completed a test flight between Stavanger and Bergen, marking a key step in integrating zero-emission air cargo operations into Norwegian airspace.
The visit marks a new step in the cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Tellus Power, aiming to establish an EV charging station production unit in the Gulf.
Toyota launches production of its first electric vehicle in Europe at its Kolin plant in the Czech Republic, supported by a €680mn investment, including €64mn in public funding.
The Canadian government invests CAD22.7mn ($16.7mn) in eight projects to strengthen the electric vehicle charging network in British Columbia.
Ireland presents an SAF roadmap structured around four pillars, projecting 88,000 tons in 2030 and 318,000 tons in 2035, aligned with ReFuelEU and European support, while Aer Lingus and Ryanair set usage targets.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure investments are expected to hit $300 billion by 2040, driven by a 12.3% annual increase in global charging port deployments.
The Japanese group TDK’s venture capital fund supports Ultraviolette, an Indian electric motorcycle manufacturer, to help it scale up in a domestic market estimated at over $50 billion within ten years.
U Power announces the signing of a letter of intent to supply 300 battery-swapping compatible electric vehicles in partnership with a Hong Kong-based technology manufacturer, marking a major milestone for intelligent commercial mobility.
According to Ember, only 3% of India’s wind and solar targets for 2032 would be sufficient to cover the entire electric vehicle charging demand, provided appropriate measures are taken for grid management and charging infrastructure.
TotalEnergies holds 23% of the high-power charging market on French motorways, according to data published by Gireve, with more than 1,800 active points across 265 service stations.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.